There are few predators in the animal kingdom that hunt and kill other creatures for pleasure. Most violent encounters take place for territory or food, with predators only hunting when they need to eat.
The difficulty there lies in finding a good meal on demand, as these two lionesses discovered to their detriment. Faced with a herd of rhinos, it looked like they were going to have to relocate and try another hunting ground.
But fortune favors the persistent, and things began looking up for these lionesses when a tasty looking giraffe appeared nearby. Maybe they would get a meal out of the day after all.
Danger On The High Ground
Perched precariously atop a small rock, the two lionesses were able to get a commanding view of the surrounding area, which included the rhinos below them. They had to get this view at the cost of comfort, as there wasn’t room for them both to be there.
One lioness had to crouch down and huddle beneath her fellow which stood over her, and this was the only way they would fit on the rocky outcrop. It was useful for them both to see, but far from an ideal position to launch an attack.
Even worse was the fact that these rhinos appeared to be adults, which meant they would be difficult prey. Two lionesses alone would have had to carve their way through thick skin and muscle to bring one down, all while under attack themselves from their large horns, and sheer strength.
Watching And Waiting
These adult rhinos made for poor potential prey, and definitely were not worth the risk. The two lionesses knew this, and maintained their watch post without attacking.
There would be easier prey for them to hunt, and neither was in a rush to get anywhere as both lionesses lay down on the cool rocks to rest and wait for a more opportune target to come along and present itself to them.
The rhinos themselves were secure in the knowledge of their own safety, and continued to idly graze beneath the lion’s rock, without showing any indication of fear or alarm at their presence.
Initiate Hunting Mode
The lions found a reward for their patience after a long wait, when the tall neck of a giraffe could be spied moving through the bush. Although it also had size and strength on its side, this giraffe would surely make easier prey than multiple adult rhinos.
A third lioness appeared as they all took a deep interest in the giraffe. This didn’t appear to be a fully grown adult, which made it the perfect target for a group of hungry lionesses.
The giraffe had lowered its long neck down to the ground to graze on the grass there when one of the lionesses suddenly surged forward in chase. Despite the weight of its neck, the giraffe was able to raise its head and break out into a sprint without the lion catching it.
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Now It’s A Race
Despite failing to catch the giraffe in the ambush, the lioness didn’t give up the chase and the long neck of the giraffe disappeared into the distance, finally lost to the camera when it passed into dense and tall bushes and trees.
One lioness was in pursuit the entire time, while another immediately gave up the chase and went back to reclining on the ground near where the giraffe and rhinos had been grazing. Clearly it wasn’t prepared to put the effort in to succeed.
The outcome of this hunt is unknown. Without other lionesses to offer support it’s unclear if the lone chaser could have brought down the giraffe, but she was certainly determined to give it a go.