Erin Walljee sent this dramatic video to Latest Sightings. She witnessed the incident while visiting Shishangeni Game Lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Lions vs buffalo
When Erin was fortunate enough to see lions capture a female buffalo, she started recording on her smartphone.
As we join the action, we see that a male lion has got the buffalo by the tail, while a lioness attempts to jump on its back.
At this point, four lions are present, all looking to subdue the bellowing buffalo.
Still strong
As a fifth lion joins in, a lioness leaps onto the buffalo’s back, hoping to topple the beast. But at this stage, it still has too much fight in it to fall.
To keep it from fleeing, the male holds onto the tail grimly.
Incredibly tough animals, buffalo can do serious damage to a lion given the chance. Accordingly, the pride bide their time, waiting for an opening.
Second male arrives
The buffalo’s prospects take a downward turn with the arrival of a second male. Their additional size and power improve the pride’s chances of success.
While one male tries to sever the buffalo’s tendons, the other tries to topple it. Somehow, the buffalo stays on her feet.
While she is accumulating injuries, she can still breathe freely, and adrenaline is helping her resist the onslaught.
Dangerous horns
To counter this, a pair of lionesses position themselves in front of the buffalo. Wary of the cow’s dangerous horns, they look to seize it by the head.
As they do, the other members of the pride continue their attack on the cow’s hindquarters.
With several lions hanging off her immobilised body, it is remarkable that the buffalo is still standing.
Gotcha!
Eventually, one of the lionesses manage to grab hold of the cow’s muzzle. As she does, she covers the buffalo’s mouth and nose, thereby restricting its airflow.
Showing her own considerable strength, the lioness wrestles the buffalo’s head downward, further limiting its movement.
By now, yet more members of the pride have joined in. No doubt they’re eagerly looking forward to their meal. At times, some of them even lick the embattled buffalo.
Many mouths to feed
While it’s hard to keep track, as many as ten lions stand to benefit from this kill. While buffalo are considerably more dangerous to tackle than most other prey, the reward makes it worthwhile.
By this stage, the buffalo is beginning to tire, its bellows getting progressively weaker.
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Beginning of the end
As she does, the cow’s legs start to wobble. Then, in a sign that the end is near, her hind legs give way.
At this, the pride piles in. While the lioness continues to block the cow’s airways, others move to her rear. While what happens is hidden from view, it is highly likely they will begin feeding before the cow dies.
After a prolonged battle, the buffalo is now silent and showing no signs of life. With that, the feasting can begin.
A substantial meal like this will last just a few days, after which the lions will be on their way, looking out for the next unfortunate victim.