In the water they’re vulnerable to aquatic predators, like crocodiles, which are faster, and better adapted to use their strength in environments poorly suited to a lion’s physical characteristics.
In this footage from Danielle Sheedy, two male lions were acutely aware of the disadvantage they would have in the water, but they had no option other than to cross.
Nervous Investigation
Before taking the plunge, both big cats had stopped on the bank, where they stayed, looking slightly nervously at the water as it flowed past them. Neither looked enthusiastic about crossing.
They were being careful to ascertain just how much danger they would be in if they jumped in. Doing due diligence in the wild might just save these animal’s lives if something goes wrong.
Nothing Ventured
One of the lions, presumably slightly braver than the other, got a little bit closer to the water, nosing at it carefully to try and see if there was anything that might indicate a croc lurking nearby.
If there had been a crocodile keeping a close eye on them, this would have been the perfect moment for it to attack, surging up from the water and clamping the lion’s head in its powerful jaws.
Crocodile’s strong tails allow them to propel themselves out of the water and seize any animals that have come too close to the edge. Despite all its care, this lion was very much in the danger zone of a croc-strike.
Nothing Gained
Luckily, adult male lions aren’t the typical prey of hungry crocodiles. Lion cubs are fair game, but an adult male would likely be too much trouble for a croc to attack unless it was particularly hungry, or the lion was very vulnerable.
The lions seemed to be easing themselves slowly into the water, making sure to take their time before going out of their depth, when they would be at their most vulnerable. They’d safely dipped their paws in the water, and the only option was to start swimming.
Their swimming technique showed just how vulnerable they would be if they were attacked. With their heads only just above the water they started making their way over to the other side.
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Intrepid Explorers
While deep waters might not be a lion’s preferred environment, they are still strong animals and these two were capable of making good speed through the water.
There were no crocodiles in the area that were in the mood for a taste of lion, meaning they were able to cross with relatively little fuss despite their obvious anxiety. These two were nothing but big scaredy cats.
On the opposite bank they emerged safe but wet and continued hurriedly on their way, eager to put the water behind them and continue their journey of exploration through the long grass around Danielle’s vehicle.