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One October afternoon, Calvet Nkomo, a guide at Somalisa Camp, took his guests out on safari in Hwange National Park. The plan was to visit a well-known waterhole near Ngweshla and see what they could find.
Waterholes are always teeming with excitement, and that day was certainly no exception!
A Lone Youngster
As Calvet and his guests approached the waterhole, they immediately noticed a young elephant wandering around on its own. Calvet proceeded to explain to his guests that young elephants are often targeted by lions, especially if they are left alone.
Sure enough, about ten minutes later, the alarm call of a baboon rang out, alerting everyone of an approaching predator. After scanning the surroundings, Calvet spotted the reason for the alarm call — it was Humba, one of the famous male lions of the area!
Everyone held their breath as the lion approached the young elephant with calculated precision. “I looked at my guests and saw that they were all waiting in anticipation for the next move.”
The Lion’s Calculated Strategy
Humba started by running up to the elephant in an initial mock attack, then made his way over to the waterhole to have a drink. This mock attack gave Humba insight into the elephant’s defence strategies, and how easy it would be to take it down.
While the Humba drank at the waterhole, this briefly put the elephant’s mind at ease, allowing it to let its guard down. Meanwhile, Humba was calculating his next move.
One of the pride’s lionesses was now making her way onto the scene providing backup for Humba and setting the odds in sure favour for the lions. With his thirst quenched, a partner to back him up, and the elephant unsuspecting, Humba was now ready to make his final move.
A Deadly Attack
He charged and pounced onto the back of the elephant, digging his claws and teeth into its back. Thrown off balance, the young elephant spun around and tried to run away in hopes the lion would let go.
Unfortunately for it, Humba only grabbed on harder, and after a few moments, managed to topple over the young elephant. In an instant, his lioness partner was there and joined him in completing the kill.
Once the hunt was completed, the rest of the pride joined in to enjoy the feast.
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Survival at the Waterhole
Calvet recounted that although this encounter was incredible, it is not as rare as one would expect.
The waterhole is a well-known spot where lions often target smaller elephants. Two days after this sighting, Calvet returned to the waterhole and witnessed a similar encounter with other guests!
Adult elephants will usually win challenges with lions at waterholes due to their size. If calves are present, however, they often fall victim to the cunning hunting tactics of the pride.
This sighting is a stark reminder that survival is a game of patience, strategy and opportunity. Unfortunately for the little elephant, it was no match for the lion’s intelligence.