This breathtaking sighting, filmed by Matthew Golden, was a reminder than tables can turn and that how something starts isn’t always how it finishes. The odds turned in the prey’s favour, and the predators were pursued!
Game viewers spot commotion up ahead
Matthew and his fellow game viewers had stopped their open-back game vehicle when they became aware of a commotion in the distance. Some lions were pursuing a rhino, which was letting out cries of distress.
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The lions thundered towards the rhino, and it appeared the animal stood no chance. These were two male lions which were well-versed in the ways of hunting.
This, and the rhino had no horn with which to defend itself. It was unclear how the rhino had lost its horn, possibly in a previous battle, however, its chief means of defense, it’s horn, was no longer there.
A full-grown rhino can weigh between 1 800kg and 2 700kg, making it one of the heaviest land mammals on Earth. However, a hornless rhino may struggle to defend itself effectively against multiple predators.
Without the means to defend itself, it’s only chance of survival was to outrun the lions, which it was not able to do.
Lions close in on the rhino
Male lions typically weigh up to 190kg. They rarely target such large and dangerous animals, however when conditions are right, such as a weakened or isolated individual, they may take the risk.
The male lions closed in on the rhino, tearing at it from behind. The poor creature let out further shrieks of distress. This was a tentative moment and it appeared the rhino would soon succumb to the lions’ attack.
They eventually rendered the rhino motionless and tore at it with their teeth.
Rhino’s cries of distress are heard
For a moment, it appeared the outcome was certain for the rhino… it would die here out in the open.
However, it’s cries of distress had been heard. Other rhinos from the herd were in the vicinity and they were determined to remain loyal to their comrade.
They charged towards the lions. Unlike the rhino the lions had targeted, these ones had horns and they weren’t afraid to use them.
Tables turn in epic moment
In a scintillating moment, the lions gave up their trophy (the poor rhino) and started to run. Now it was their turn to be pursued. Just like that, the tables had been turned!
A breathtaking chase ensued. The video clip shows the game viewers in the open-back vehicle watching the memorable action unfold. They sat mesmerised by the action. Now here was something you didn’t see every day!
The lions sprinted across the grasslands, the rhinos hot on their heels. The hornless rhino might have not had a horn in its defense, however it did have a family… a herd… and this turned out to be the best defense of all. It watched as the other rhinos chased the lions away.