Lions are undisputed apex predators. An individual can lay incredible ambushes to capture their prey before it even knows a threat is there, and they often spend time in groups.
They’re strong enough, and can use teamwork well enough to bring down animals larger than themselves, but all of this ability was inconsequential to a single baby warthog.
Watch Now:
Abby Haynes caught this lightning quick warthog on camera while staying at the Luleka lodge in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Strength mattered little to the little pig, when it had such vast reserves of speed on its side.
Lying In Wait
The first lioness must have thought that this was the easiest meal she was ever going to get. The warthog piglet made no attempt to hide itself as it barreled up the road as fast as its little legs could carry it.
The lioness hunkered down as if this was going to be an ambush like any other, but much like the piglet she did not bother trying to hide at the side of the road. She crouched down in full view of her approaching prey, and the piglet went straight for her.
It looked like this was going to be a very easy hunt for these lions. Ordinarily they would have to stalk their prey, ensuring they remained out of sight as they got close enough to pounce, but not only was this piglet undeterred by their presence, it was getting closer.
Sensational Opening Moves
Despite the incredible peril of its situation, this little piggy was absolutely locked in. The eager lioness was ready to pounce as soon as it came within range, but the moment she made her move the piglet swerved wide.
Into grass at the side of the road that was taller than itself the baby warthog plunged while the lioness had to try and make up for her overconfidence. She swiped again, and again, but she had been so sure that her first strike would land that she had fallen behind.
She tried to catch up but the piglet had gone into overdrive, and despite having legs almost twice as long, she struggled. The second lion moved to intercept, but the piglet was having none of it, and dodged the other way.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
At The Speed Of Sound
Like a tiny whirlwind the piglet sped past the vehicle, using it for cover from the lions that it was leaving behind in the dust. Two more lions burst from their cover at the side of the road but, unfazed, the warthog continued at its incredible pace.
In seconds it had passed the safari vehicle and was disappearing into the distance while the last two lions were clearly wondering if it was even worth trying to chase the prey.
Quickly realizing that this warthog was far too fast for them, the lions gave up the chase and stood sheepishly in the middle of the road, glancing awkwardly at each other as they questioned their own inadequacies.
It was happy days and a long life for the lightning fast warthog, and back to the drawing board for the four lionesses. Clearly a review of their ambush tactics was warranted, and they would be going hungry for a while.