After waiting patiently to spring her ambush, this lioness found out that even the best-laid plans can flop. Or belly flop, as the case may be.
Natasha Van Der Walt submitted this hilarious footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it at Girivana Dam in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Lion in wait
As we join Natasha at the sighting, we see a lioness crouched low in a shallow gulley. Seen from behind, the black back of her ears stands out against the dry landscape.
Meanwhile, in the background, an impala ewe makes her way towards the water. Realising their prey must drink, lions often set up ambushes near water.
Second lioness
Subsequently, Natasha pans right, and it is not immediately clear what she is focusing on. However, on closer inspection, we see a second lioness.
It is lying in another shallow depression in the shade of a nearby tree. Once again, the black ears give its position away from behind.
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Patience before the pounce
Showing the remarkable patience of experienced hunters, the two lionesses watch and wait as more impala approach the water. With little cover, they need to wait until a target is within range before striking.
Both species can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. However, impalas have greater endurance.
Attack launched
With the two predators to monitor, Natasha must choose which one to focus on. She chooses the second lioness under the trees.
No sooner does she do so than the lioness raises her head. Something has changed, telling her it is time to go for it.
Consequently, she bursts from her hiding place, her attention laser-focused on the still oblivious antelopes. Before her is open terrain, save for a patch of rocks.
Showing incredible agility, she leaps several metres over them. As she does, the impalas see her coming and instantly react.
By the time the lioness lands, the impalas are already fleeing in all directions.
As the lioness gets closer, the impalas splash through the water. However, in her haste, the lioness fails to notice this important information.
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Plunging into failure
Now at top speed, the lioness identifies her target just as she reaches the water’s edge.
Somehow, though, she doesn’t see the water that separates her from her quarry.
Accordingly, there’s an almighty splash as solid ground underfoot becomes water.
Confusion reigns
As the spray settles, we see the bewildered lioness struggling to get her bearings.
Seconds later, the other lioness arrives and narrowly avoids plunging into the water too.
As the new arrival looks on in confusion, the soaking lioness shakes herself.
Stunned, the second lion looks at her in dismay.
It is as if she is asking, “How could you not see the water?” before walking away in disgust.
As the video ends, we see the lioness lean down to the water. Is she seriously trying to convince us she just came down for a drink?
