Watch The Sighting Here:
This tense footage was filmed in Namibia’s Etosha National Park. It was submitted to Latest Sightings by Caters.
Problems At The Pool
As the video begins, a black rhino (Diceros bicornis) wallows in a water hole. Rhinos love to roll around in the water, coating their hides in cooling mud.
However, it seemed to have a problem. It could not get itself out of the pond for some unseen reason.
It repeatedly tried to clamber onto the shore, but each time, it failed, gradually tiring itself out. Soon, it just lay there huffing into the dust.
More Trouble
Meanwhile, more problems arrived. Out of the surrounding bush, a young male lion sauntered towards the water.
When it saw the stricken rhino, it immediately circled the water hole, intent on investigating. As it did, a second young male came into view.
Face-To-Face
Rhinos have notoriously poor eyesight, so this one didn’t see the lion until it was just a few metres away. However, when it did, it thrashed and splashed in a renewed effort to exit the water.
Whether or not these lions had ever encountered a rhino before is unknown. Erring on the side of caution, the first male approached slowly, while the second, smaller lion held back.
This decision proved wise, as black rhinos are notoriously short-tempered and often charge first and ask questions later.
Three Musketeers
Moments later, a third young male lion arrived. Their natal pride may have evicted the three youngsters. When this happens, young bachelors form alliances, affording them mutual protection.
It also means that they can tackle bigger prey. But would that include a rhino?
Initially, the lions were tentative in their approach, while the rhino seemed quite panicked. Not only did it remain stuck in the water, but three lions eyed it hungrily.
Drinks Break
With a stalemate developing, two of the lions used the opportunity to have a drink. All the while, the adversaries kept a close eye on one another.
Surprisingly, the rhino then moved towards where the lions were drinking. In doing so, it exposed its rear to the third lion.
Touching Distance
Seeing an opportunity, two of the lions quickly moved to outflank it.
With the rhino half-submerged and within touching distance, the pair each tried to lay a paw on the rhino’s rump.
At that, the rhino redoubled its efforts to get out the water. On this occasion, it was successful. Except that it allowed one of the lions to jump on its back.
See Ya Later
Amazingly, the rhino easily threw off the lion as it turned to face one of the others. Seeing this display of strength, the lion sensibly backed off.
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Surrounded
Having finally emerged from the water, the rhino found itself surrounded by the three males. So began a plus-sized game of cat-and-mouse.
Each time the rhino charged one of the lions, the other two attempted to get in behind it.
Decisive Moment
Eventually, one of the lions managed to grab the rhino as it charged after one of the others. But it couldn’t embed its claws in the rhino’s thick hide, and soon slipped off.
This proved to be a decisive moment in the confrontation. After being repelled a few more times and possibly tiring in the heat, the lions gave up.
The rhino kept an eye on the retreating predators. Then, satisfied with its victory, the grumpy giant turned and made for the thick bush nearby.
So ended the three young lions’ lesson for the day. What looked like an easy meal proved to be anything but. If these males are to survive to adulthood, they will use this experience to hone their hunting skills and strengthen their bonds.