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Safari operator Dennis Koshal sent Latest Sightings his video of the unfolding drama, which he filmed in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park.
Initial attack
As Dennis’s footage begins, a lioness charges toward a seemingly unprotected buffalo calf.
As the calf goes down, the situation seems to offer only one possible outcome. However, seconds later, the buffalo’s mother charges into view.
Battering ram
Weighing between 500 and 700 kilograms (1,100 to 1,543 pounds), she lowers her head, hoping to inflict maximum damage on the lioness.
However, in the process, she smashes into her calf, sending it flying and possibly injuring it. Meanwhile, the lioness escapes unscathed.
Another lion arrives
As the cow chases off the lioness, another appears and goes straight for her dazed calf.
Seconds later, it too tackles the calf, inflicting a bite to its spine.
Once again, the mother rushes in, this time sending the lioness flying.
The pride arrives
Just as we think the calf might be saved, more lions arrive…
Outflanked
With lions surrounding the cow, she is outflanked, and her calf is dangerously exposed. Subsequently, her calf is once again seized by one of the lions.
Help arrives
Then the cavalry arrives, in a scene reminiscent of an old Western. Drawn by the commotion, several buffalo rush in to assist.
Suddenly, the playing fields are leveled and a standoff ensues.
On one side, the buffalo close ranks, while on the other, the lions spread out. Between them, the mother stands vigil over her injured calf.
A bizarre retreat
What follows is inexplicable. As one, the buffalos move away from the stricken calf, almost inviting the lions to take it. Moments later, the calf is once again in the jaws of a lion, and the pride moves in.
Not so fast
Seeing this, the mother once again charges in. At this point, the calf appears motionless, certainly not able to get to its feet.
However, lacking the support of her herd, she is quickly driven off by the lions.
Cat and mouse
What follows is like a giant game of cat and mouse. Each time the lions move in on the calf, the buffalos charge in. And, each time, they do, the lions close ranks and force them back.
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Injuries mount
What is clear, however, is that each time the lions return to the calf, it sustains more injuries. Since most of these target the neck and spine, critical injuries are inevitable.
It is a miracle in itself that the calf still has the strength to raise its head.
Sensing defeat
As time passes, the buffalo’s defence of the calf appears to wane. Perhaps they realise its injuries are too severe to survive.
The calf’s mother looks forlornly at her calf before turning and moving off with the rest of her herd. As she does so, the lions settle in to enjoy their feast.
All is not lost
While the drama that played out had an unfortunate end for the calf, for the lions it provided much-needed sustenance. The seasonal abundance of young prey will help ensure they survive lean months ahead.
Buffalos aim to birth their young in the wet season. As such, many calves are born in close succession, and many of those will survive.
Combined, Nature has evolved a fine balance, where the survival of both the hunter and the hunted comes down to wits, determination, and teamwork.