The large pride of lions reclined alongside the river bank in the reserve, feeding off a kudu carcass. They were an exuberant… and hungry… bunch and their enthusiasm over the kill made for a memorable sighting.
This incredible moment yielded some rare photos and video clips taken by Jack Grant and Piet van Wyk from MalaMala Game Reserve.
Lioness feeds alone on kill
A fully grown kudu can weigh more than 250kg, providing enough food for an entire pride for several days if the carcass is not stolen.
Initially, just a single lioness fed from the kill. The kudu meat completely stole her focus. This was until she looked up to see the other pride members approaching. It was feasting time!
Lioness lifts her head as rest of pride approaches
The lions ran across the river towards where the lioness fed on the kill. The pride members were so exuberant as they came through the water that they appeared to be ‘walking on water’. The kudu was a big prize and this carcass would give each member the opportunity to tuck in.
For lions, it’s all about the pride. Lion prides are highly social groups that work together to hunt, protect territory and raise cubs, and feeding time reveals both their cooperation and fierce competition.
Once a kill is made, the pride gathers quickly around the carcass, with dominant lions often feeding first while younger members wait for opportunities to eat.
Lions race towards kill
The lioness was not left alone on the kill for long. The lions approached from all directions, enticed by the scent of fresh meat. As they ran, the water splashed up around them. There was no chance they were going to miss out on a kudu buffet!
Meal time… a family affair
The pride members then settled alongside the kill to feed.
During their feeding frenzy, growls and snarls could be heard. At intervals, members of the pride lunged forcefully at the meat. This is typical behaviour for lions around a kill, as lions will often compete intensely for food, even among family members.
In areas like Kruger National Park, hyenas often shadow lion prides, waiting for scraps or opportunities to challenge them once the lions are full. Vultures circling overhead are also a sign that a kill has been made, sometimes arriving within minutes.
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Lions can feed on a kudu kill for several hours at a time and may return to the carcass over one to three days, depending on the size of the pride and whether scavengers steal the remains.
A large kudu provides a substantial amount of meat, allowing multiple lions to eat until they are heavily bloated. Adult lions are capable of consuming more than 30kg of meat in a single feeding session.
These lions definitely got in their fair share of food!
After feeding, a pride of lions will often rest nearby in the shade while keeping watch over the carcass. If the kill is not taken by spotted hyenas, other lions, or scavengers such as vultures, the pride may continue feeding until little remains besides bones, hide and horns.