The rivalry between lions and hyenas is legendary, with neither holding the absolute apex predator crown for long. In this video, a clan’s relentless pressure proves too much for a would-be king.
Danielle Sheedy shared this intense footage with Latest Sightings. She filmed the action while visiting Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.
Watch the video now:
Join our WhatsApp group with thousands of community members so you never miss another tense moment, like these hyenas mobbing a lone lion. https://latestsightings.com/whatsapp-updates
A meagre prize
As we join Danielle at the sighting, we encounter a tense scene. A clan of spotted hyenas have discovered a lone male lion.
Hanging from his jaws, we see the scant remains of a buffalo, presumably killed by the lion some time ago. And it is this meagre prize that the hyenas hope to steal.
Master of chaos
While hyenas are competent hunters in their own right, they are also legendary scavengers. Furthermore, they seem to relish any opportunity to scavenge from their greatest rivals: lions.
Both lions and hyenas are social predators that work cooperatively. But while lions rely more on stealth tactics, hyenas are far more brazen, masters of chaos.
Call to arms
While the lion holds his head high, trying to look as intimidating as possible, the clan closes in. As they do, they whoop and cackle.
Their high-pitched vocalisations serve both to intimidate the young lion and as a rallying cry, summoning clanmates from far and wide.
Growing confidence
Although the lion is stronger than an individual hyena, the balance tips in their favour when they unite against him.
Consequently, several hyenas sink their teeth into the fleshless hide, and a tug-of-war ensues.
At this point, a hyena nips the lion’s flank. In turn, the lion turns his fury on the scurrilous scavenger that bit him.
In a flash, the lion sinks his claws into his foe, determined to maul it. However, in the process, he drops the carcass, allowing other clan members to pull it away.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Strength vs numbers
Seeing this, the lion is distracted, and the hyena escapes. Sensing victory, the hyenas operate like a tag team, rushing in to bite the lion’s rump whenever he turns to confront another.
Bearing in mind that the lion is still young, about 4 years old, he lacks the experience to cope with the onslaught.
That said, hyenas have been recorded driving even the biggest males from their kills. What they lack in size and strength, they more than make up for with their ability to sow chaos.
None of which takes anything away from the lion’s bravery in the face of mounting adversity. However, some battles are just not meant to be fought.
Time for recovery & revenge
Ultimately, the clan wrestles complete control of the carcass from the lion. At this point, he realises that what remains of the kill is not worth getting injured or killed over.
The video ends as the lion, still snarling, surrenders to the clan.
His belly is full, and now it is time to lick his wounds. And, no doubt, plan his revenge.
