Even for lions, bringing down a giraffe is a tough job. In this video tinged by Keith Connelly, the uneven terrain along with teamwork help the pride to do so.
Old bull
The footage begins with a view of a giraffe bull. We can tell by its dark coloration that it is an old animal.
Male giraffes can grow to over 6 metres in height and weigh up to 1,200 kilograms. As such, they are only vulnerable to predation by one species.
Suddenly, the giraffe starts to run. But why?
The predator in question
Subsequently, the camera pans to reveal the reason for the bull’s sudden departure. Two lionesses come running down the riverbank, their sights set on the fleeing giraffe.
As social predators with many mouths to feed, lions frequently target giraffes. Such a meal will sustain a large pride for up to a week.
Trying to reunite
As the bull runs across the rock-strewn riverbed, we see that there are two more giraffes on the far bank. As such, we assume that it is trying to reunite with them.
Meanwhile, a third lion joins the hunt. With such a large target in mind, they will need to work together if they’re to bring the bull down.
Change of direction
In the meantime, as the giraffe flees, it chooses not to cross through the running water. Instead, it turns and runs across more rocky terrain in the riverbed.
This is a risky decision. Tall and ungainly, there is every chance the bull may fall on such uneven ground.
Initially, it looks like the lions have given up their chase. However, the giraffe’s route forces it back towards the lions.
Ever the opportunists
Ever the opportunists, the lions resume their pursuit. They are now right behind the panicked giraffe, their chances of success improving by the minute.
Moments later, Team Lion is further bolstered by the arrival of a fourth lion. However, this one approaches from the opposite direction, blocking the giraffe’s path.
As the noose tightens, things are looking increasingly dire for the old giraffe.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Holding on for survival
Moments later, the giraffe’s neck is encircled. Only, it’s not by a rope, but by the outstretched paws of one of the lionesses.
Incredibly, it has leapt roughly 4 metres vertically, and digs its claws in as the giraffe tries to throw it off.
End is nigh
Exhausted, terrified, and running on uneven terrain, the added weight of the lion clinging grimly to its neck proves too much. Consequently, the bull topples and disappears behind a clump of bushes. As it does, the rest of the pride moves in, determined not to give their hard-earned prey any chance of escape.
Unfortunately, the vegetation obscures the moment the giraffe and lion crash to the ground. By the time the lions are resighted, the giraffe lies at the mercy of the pride.
As one of the lions clamps its jaws over the bull’s windpipe, the only signs of life are the occasional flailing limb. As sad an end as it is for the bull, its body will sustain the pride as well as a host of scavengers.