In this heartbreaking sighting by Juan Slabbert of Ngala Ways Safaris, a tiny wildebeest stood no chance when isolated from its herd, and pursued by some hungry lionesses.
Herd grazes unaware of lionesses’ presence
The wildebeest herd stood grazing in some dense bushveld. They fed shoulder to shoulder, impressive in size and peaceful in composure.
They were unaware that the surrounding thicket hid a pride of lionesses. The lionesses serene forms could be seen sitting watchfully among the dry branches and long grass.
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The pride remained still in the shadows, as the wildebeest continued with their business. The pride members were waiting for the opportune moment to arise and pursue.
A little one could be seen moving behind the herd. A second small wildebeest lay in the grass near to where its parents grazed.
Lionesses prepare to attack
This was a herd with young ones, and calves are often the desired prey of predators, as they are weaker and more vulnerable, and more likely to succumb to an attack.
When the wildebeest started to edge forwards, showing impressive unity, a machine of large, grey forms, the lions sat upright. The time had come to begin the chase.
A heated chase breaks out
The lionesses sprang to their feet in a moment. For the wildebeest, there was little warning. The animals responded, however, with an impressive reaction time as a heated chase ensued.
The adult wildebeest succeeded in moving out of harm’s way, however, a baby wildebeest was isolated from its parents as it ran to escape the lions.
Having lost its herd, it was now extremely vulnerable to attack.
The lionesses did not relent and continued in their pursuit. In a heartrending moment, one of them closed in on the tiny wildebeest. The small creature was at this stage now in the open, running across the road, and fragile and ungainly in appearance.
The lioness which closed in on it was alive with power and she stormed straight ahead. The motorists must’ve held their breath in that pivotal moment.
Typically, when lions charge, a herd of wildebeest reacts in a wave of movement. The adults will bolt off in one direction and the calves will try desperately to keep up.
In the chaos, a young calf can easily become separated, as in this heartbreaking sighting. The calf’s shorter legs and inexperience work against it.
The calf will often sprint blindly, driven only by fear, calling out with high-pitched bleats.
Alone, it becomes a target for the pursuing pride.
This ever-present threat of predators is a constant reality for young animals on the open savanna.
A sad ending to a scintillating chase
Sadly, the lioness successfully took hold of the wildebeest calf, and carrying it in her jaws, walked away. She was a magnificent creature, confident in her stride, and clearly built for the hunt.
In a matter of moments, peace had been churned up into chaos, and now a measure of tranquility returned to the surroundings, as the lioness sought a place to settle with the others in the pride for a feed.