This thrilling video captures the action in Botswana’s Okavango Delta
Hidden in plain sight
As the video begins, we see a lone wildebeest running across a dirt track in the Okavango Delta. Unbeknownst to it, a leopard is waiting in ambush.
Surprisingly, it is lying in the open, right on the dusty road. Consequently, as the wildebeest passes, it gets the fright of its life as it spots the exposed predator.
Consequently, the wildebeest bolts, but, surprisingly, the leopard doesn’t give chase.
I’ll just watch what happens next
Strangely, after realising that it is not being pursued, the wildebeest turns to look at the still motionless cat. Making it even more strange, it does not make any alarm calls as one would expect when a predator is spotted.
This decision would soon have devastating consequences, as we hear the guide tell his guests that the leopard is waiting for the babies.
More to come
Moments later, another wildebeest comes into view, and a small calf closely follows this one. In the image below, you can barely make out its shape, hidden in the long grass.
Generally, adult wildebeest are too large for leopards to tackle. However, their calves are just the right size.
Ambush launched
Subsequently, the moment the calf comes into view, the leopard springs its assault. In a flash, it tackles the calf before it has a chance to react.
Seconds later, the mother wildebeest realizes what has happened. Without hesitation, she turns, ready to help her embattled calf in any way she can.
Rescue attempt
In a flash, she rushes to the aid of her youngster. Lowering her horns, she charges into the fray, hoping to free her baby from the cat’s clutches.
Exactly what happens is hidden from view, but for a moment, it looks like she has freed her calf.
Second grab
However, the leopard is also in a fight for survival. Not one to give up easily, it manages to grab the calf a second time.
With its jaws clamped around the calf’s throat, it brings it to the ground. Meanwhile, the mother once again turns in a bid to help her calf.
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Helpless
Sadly, however, there is little she can do to help as the leopard begins to throttle the life from its prey. In a poignant moment, all she can do is watch.
Even though they outnumber the leopard, there is nothing she nor the rest of the herd can do. In stunned silence, they bear witness to the calf’s last moments.
Grim finale
As the video draws to its grim end, we see the leopard dragging its prey through the grass. Despite a determined retaliation, she has managed to secure her next meal.
After all her effort, she is exhausted. But, as she looks towards the camera, one gets the sense that this was a fight worth having.
The video is a wonderful illustration of the hunting prowess of leopards. Despite the hunt taking place in broad daylight, she managed to find sufficient cover to mount a textbook ambush. From then on, it came down to tenacity and brute strength.