Cape buffalo are something of a delicacy on a lion’s menu. However, buffalo display both aggressive temperaments and willingness to help fallen comrades. In this video, both species must work together to achieve their survival goals.
Léo Printemps sent this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Back to front
As the video rolls, we’re greeted with a peculiar sight. A young buffalo bull is chasing a male lion on the banks of a waterhole.
Ordinarily, you might expect it to be the other way around. However, buffalo often opt to go on the offensive when threatened.
However, we note that there are other lions in the vicinity. While their ally distracts the buffalo, they close in.
Watch the video here:
Decoy runner
Consequently, while the first lion distracts the bull, a second one rushes towards the bulls vulnerable rump. Equipped with heavy horns, it’s best not to confront a buffalo head-on.
Subsequently, the bull realises its rump is exposed, and turns to face the second lion. Meanwhile, the first lion stops and turns back towards the buffalo.
Of course, this means that the bull’s rear now presents an irresistible target for the first lion.
Meanwhile, in the background, there are two other, bigger bulls. However, they don’t appear to be interested in the unfolding drama.
As more lions appear, it is notable that they avoid the bigger bulls. They, too, see the youngest bull as the most likely target.
Attack commences
Inevitably, the first lion rushes in and launches itself onto the buffalo’s hindquarters, sinking its teeth and claws into its flesh.
In response, the bull spins in a vain attempt to dislodge the predator. Meanwhile, the second lion closes in, ready to assist the first.
Conspiring factors
As the bull spins, its momentum, combined with the lion’s weight, causes its hind legs to collapse. In an instant, the second lion rushes in to help pin it to the ground
With the hard work all but done, a third lion moves in to help finish off the buffalo. Still, the other buffalo seem uninterested.
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Distress call
That is, until the fallen buffalo lets out a bellow of distress. Only then does one of the other buffalo seem to take notice that its compatriot is in trouble.
While the three lions savage the fallen buffalo’s hindquarters, the second buffalo slowly approaches. Then, seemingly in midstride, it seems to realise how serious the situation is, and charges.
But, will this be a case of too little, too late?
Black death
When the lions see the 900-kilogram buffalo, often dubbed “Black Death,” storming towards them, they scatter.
As it reaches its comrade, the new arrival lowers its head and appears to try helping its friend to his feet. In the meantime, the lions stop running and wait to see what will happen.
However, the injured buffalo stays on the ground. From this, we assume that the lions inflicted a crippling injury.
Seeing this, one of the lions returns to the buffalo, even as the second animal persists in its efforts to help. Unfortunately, the video ends there, but it is safe to assume the lions got what they wanted.