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A leopard eventually enjoyed its hard-earned meal when a lion’s efforts to steal it came to nought.
Hayley Myburgh submitted her footage and account of the incident to Latest Sightings. She filmed it on the S25 while out on safari with her guests.
In the leopard’s larder

Hayley recalls that she was en route to view a lion sighting when she paused to view a leopard. The leopard had a female impala catch which it hoisted into a tall tree.
Look who’s here
After spending a short amount of time, a young male arrived at the location. As soon as it became evident, the lion had picked up a scent, but was it smelling a meal or a bitter rival predator?

Whichever it was, the lion couldn’t locate the source at fist, so it spent a good while sniffing around…

Close encounter

While trying to locate the source of the tantalising aroma, the lion came within a few metres of the safari vehicles.

Jackpot. Well, almost
Soon enough, the lion pinpointed what was causing the smell! The only problem was it was several metres up a tree. And while lions can climb… big males are not very good at it!

Rearing up on its hind legs, he dugs his front claws into the base of the bark and pulled…

… and pulled — with all of his strength, without really getting anywhere. Eventually, exhausted by trying to lift its own body weight, the lion gave up.

Somewhat defeated, the lion could only look up at the carcass and the somewhat smug leopard above.

Not doing that again
Embarrassed by its failed attempt at tree-climbing, the lion sought to restore its dignity in other ways. It began sniffing around the base of the tree with great intent.

However, when it found a single, skinny impala leg, its eventual reward did little to achieve its goal.

Aloofness personified

Meanwhile, safely ensconced in the branches above, the leopard calmly manoeuvred into a more comfortable position. Seemingly unflappable, she continued to feed.

Scornful
Mindful of the lion pacing below, the leopard’s occasional snarl surely rubbed salt in its wounded pride.

That is, when she wasn’t ‘showing off’ for the tourists below.

All the while trying to look demure yet alluring…

Meanwhile, down below
As for the lion below, it continued to weigh its options. Sniffing some more…

Checking how much meat was left on the carcass…

And considering different ways to get up the tree…

All of which amounted to the same conclusion…

With the leopard (and food) in the tree and the lion still stuck on the ground, it was time…
Time to move on
And with that, the lion returned from whence it came. Perhaps to ponder how better to deal with a meal out of reach should the opportunity arise.

Young male lions
The lion featured in the video appears to be a young animal, on the brink of entering its prime. This is suggested by its relatively sparse mane and slight build.
Male lions reach sexual maturity at about two years old. However, depending on the local density of mature males, they won’t begin breeding until 4-5 years of age.
Forced out of their natal prides at this time, they enter a challenging period during which they must learn to fend for themselves. Should they survive this odyssey, they will truly have proved themselves worthy contenders for a pride of their own.