Wildlife guide Dave Pusey witnessed this interesting encounter and sent his video to Latest Sightings. The action took place in the southern Kruger National Park.
Morning walk
As we join the action in Dave’s video, we see a large pride of lions walking through the long green grass. The pride consists of several lionesses accompanied by lots of half-grown cubs.
In the background, a herd of buffalo grazes peacefully, seemingly unaware of the lion’s presence. Judging by the lions’ direction of travel, they would have walked right past the buffalo.
Skin and bones
As the lions get closer to Dave’s safari vehicle, we see that they are looking very lean. So, their apparent lack of interest in the buffalo is curious, as they could surely use a meal.
Possibly, the lionesses realise the threat that the buffalos pose to their offspring, so they could be moving them to safety.
Disinterested
Whatever the case, even as they pass Dave’s vehicle, they show no interest in the buffalos. Nevertheless, the adults remain alert, scanning the surrounding landscape at regular intervals.
Whether they are looking for prey or threats is unclear.
Scent of lions
Next, something strange happens. It would appear that the buffalo pick up the scent of the lions. Closing ranks, they now begin to follow in the pride’s footsteps.
Still, the lions appear determined to avoid the buffalo. And, as the herd passes Dave’s vehicle, the curious sight unfolds: the buffalo chase the lions down the road.
Change of direction
Subsequently, the lions decide to leave the road and head into the long grass. Still, the buffalo are determined to see them off and follow.
However, as they are lead into the long grass, it is difficult for the buffalo to keep track of the lions. As a result, they don’t notice when some of them sink into the grass, preparing to ambush.
Isolated
Unwittingly, one of the female buffalos then becomes isolated from the herd. Making matters worse, she is suddenly surrounded by lions as they pop up from their hiding places.
Moments later, one of the cats attacks, launching itself at her hindquarters. At that, several other lionesses emerge, ready to effect a dramatic turnabout.
As the buffalo bellows her distress, another lion leaps onto her back. In desperation, the cow heads back toward the safety of the herd.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
A reversal reversed
Thankfully for her, the herd is quick to respond and rushes to her aid. On seeing their approach, the two lionesses are forced to abandon their attack.
Heavily outnumbered, the lions once again have no choice but to retreat. Enraged by the audacity of the lion’s attempted ambush, the buffalo are more determined than ever to drive them away.
Despite their obvious hunger, the prides’ priority is to avoid injury and protect their young. A point made even more clear, as one of the cubs emerges close to the herd and takes off after its family.
As the video concludes, the lions melt into the distance. They are still hungry, but at least for now, they are safe.