After a buffalo failed to notice a large pride of lions, the lions may have anticipated an easy meal. However, when the buffalo realised its mistake, it took the lions by surprise instead.
Mark Fox of Exploring Kruger sent this remarkable footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Lone bull on the move
As we join Mark at the sighting, we see a lone Cape buffalo bull walking towards a waterhole. Old bulls like this are renowned for their no-nonsense approach to life.
As they age, younger males evict them from their herds and spend the rest of their lives alone or in small bachelor herds.
A pride at rest
Subsequently, Mark pans his camera, revealing a pride of 23 lions resting in the shade near the waterhole. Oblivious to their presence, the bull wanders by in the background.
However, one of the pride’s young males senses the passing buffalo. As he stands, the rest of the lions suddenly take notice too.
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Infectious enthusiasm
The inexperienced young male is the first to follow. Around him, the more experienced lionesses simply watch.
Typically, lionesses do most of the hunting. However, eager young males will join in, eager to prove their hunting prowess.
Subsequently, his enthusiasm spreads through the pride. Soon, all of them, including several juveniles, are intently focused on the bull as it reaches the water.
Misplaced eagerness
Unable to contain their excitement, two young males lead the way towards their target. Meanwhile, the bull drinks, still completely unaware of the approaching threat.
The youngsters’ enthusiasm is a mistake. Instead of allowing other members to move into position for the ambush, they’re rushing headlong into trouble.
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Spotted in the open
As the lions approach, the alarm calls of baboons echo across the landscape. Accordingly, the bull raises his head and spins round, searching for danger.
Immediately, he spots the two lions. His subsequent actions tell us he is neither impressed nor intimidated.
To the lions’ surprise, instead of fleeing in the opposite direction, the bull charges towards them. However, he probably doesn’t realise how many lions are present.
Consequently, he has no choice but to keep his head down and run as he barrels right through the entire pride. As he does, lions scatter before him, before regrouping to join the chase.
Back to square one
As predator and prey rush off, Mark starts his vehicle and follows, hoping to capture the moment the lions pull down the bull.
However, by the time he catches up to the lions, they’ve given up the chase, and the buffalo is nowhere to be seen.
Their attempted hunt was a dismal failure; the pride settles once more in the shade of the nearest tree. As they do, the male who started it all rejoins them. Hopefully next time, he’ll show a bit more patience.
