The breathtaking sighting was witnessed in the MalaMala Game Reserve.
Tiny impala approaches leopard with trust and curiosity
The leopard was sitting quite regally in full view of game viewers, when Gareth started to film.
Leopards usually stalk their prey and remain hidden from view until they launch a surprise attack. However, there was no need for this leopard to hide away from its intended prey.
It had its focus set on a small impala, which walked right up to it, oblivious to the threat.
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The small buck approached the leopard, and it appeared the leopard would pardon the tiny creature.
Initially the leopard saw still as though it meant the buck no harm. The impala appeared to be a newborn and it was still finding its feet, so to speak. It staggered along on wobbly legs which seemed too long for its small body, as though the tiny animal was walking on stilts.
Detecting no threat, buck approaches leopard
In an unbelievable moment, the buck even walked right up to the leopard, which continued to sit like a statue, gazing intently at the calf.
In spite of the buck’s warm gestures towards the leopard and its desire to show affection to the leopard, the predator eventually lunged out towards it, taking it by its neck and lifting it into the air.
Leopard snatches impala by its neck and runs towards tree
It was heartbreaking to watch as the young buck’s trust was violated in such a hideous manner. However, the leopard, an apex predator, was acting on instinct and the young animal, separated from its herd, was a soft target.
The leopard ran towards a nearby tree, with the impala’s limp body hanging from its mouth. It scaled the tree with ease, carrying the tiny animal with little effort.
From this post, the leopard was able to survey the bushveld around the based of the tree. At one point the buck flinched signaling that it was still alive and the leopard shook it, until it grew still.
Hyena approach tree
From this surveillance point, the leopard could see a few spotted hyena coming towards the tree. They had clearly picked up on the scent of a fresh kill and were coming to see what was in it for them.
Leopard moves higher up into tree
However, the leopard would have none of it. The stealth predator started to make its way along one of the tree’s branches, moving even higher up into the tree so that the hyena could not get near to the kill. It carried the impala’s carcass with ease as it moved along.
From the highest tree branches it would be left in peace to feed on the small animal, which only moments earlier, had come straight to it with innocence and trust.
Sightings like this are raw and heartbreaking, however, in the bushveld, predators must eat in order to survive. Sadly, this impala calf learned this lesson the hard way.