People often call lions “The King of the Jungle”. While they certainly are very regal creatures, in this video, Nature offers evidence that disproves the myth.
Ties Bakker submitted this video, which he filmed somewhere in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.
Lion on the move
As Ties’s video begins, we encounter a beautiful sight. A mature male lion strides across the iron-rich red earth of northeastern South Africa.
This area is prime big-game country and includes renowned wildlife destinations such as Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
“Wait, I was enjoying that!”
Lions are notoriously lazy and most active in the cool of the night. Therefore, to see one mobile in the midday sun is a rare treat worth savouring.
However, just as we’re starting to enjoy the sighting, the camera suddenly pans away from the lion. As it does, we hear someone chatter excitedly, while Ties sighs in awe. But why?
The contender
Seconds later, it becomes clear that the lion is not the only animal nearby worth watching. Striding with purpose, a young bull elephant comes into view.
Both species are members of the renowned Big Five. The group includes leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo, and together, they were once considered the most dangerous animals to hunt.
Intimidation tactics
Subsequently, we note that the elephant’s body posture reveals agitation. With its head held high and ears flared, it is trying to look as intimidating as possible.
Therefore, it doesn’t take us long to work out what’s going on. Evidently, the elephant has detected the lion’s presence and is not happy about it.
Not taking any chances
While a bull of this size is probably far too large for even a male lion to hunt, its instinct is to challenge the perceived threat directly.
As he proceeds, the bull shakes his great head, emphasising to the retreating lion that he means business. With male elephants weighing up to 6 tons, this is a warning best taken seriously.
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The nose knows
Consequently, as the lion makes itself scarce, the elephant keeps up its pursuit. But, considering that elephants have fairly poor eyesight, you may wonder how it keeps track of its target…
As he walks in the lion’s footsteps, you’ll note that the tip of his trunk is held low to the ground. To compensate for their short-sightedness, elephants have a phenomenal sense of smell. So, he is following the scent trail the lion left behind.
Triumphant trumpet
By now, the lion had disappeared into a nearby thicket. The elephant was hot on his heels, showing no sign of slowing down.
Accordingly, as the bull follows the lion into the dense bush, he trumpets loudly. By doing so, he levels up the threat he is communicating.
Meanwhile, the lion continues to flee, and we get brief glimpses of his fleeing backside through the tangle of branches. Sensibly, he is not about to rely on the flimsy cover the surrounding bushes provide.
As the video comes to an end, we hear Ties and his companions chuckling at the sight they’ve just witnessed. It’s not every day you see a so-called king running for the hills.