This incredible rescue was witnessed by Cobus Visser while driving on the river road in Marloth Park.
Watch The Sighting:
Cobus had been driving right next to the fence overlooking the Kruger National Park, looking out to see if he could spot any wildlife near to the Crocodile River when he witnessed this wildlife spectacular.
Pride of lions spotted in the distance
“We knew about the pride of lions that were staying and hunting in that area for a couple of days now, so when we saw a few cars stopped and people standing next to the fence looking towards the river, we were sure it was the pride of lions. We were right!” said Cobus.
The lions were attentive and focused as they walked across the floor of the bushveld. Watching them from a distance, it was incredible to see how camouflaged they were against the backdrop of long grass and thorny shrubbery.
Said Cobus: “We first saw the male and after a while, we spotted the lionesses.”
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The two lionesses seemed to be prowling the area with great purpose. Lionesses often do the hunting in prides, and they will team together in a coordinated hunting effort.
There were some warthog grazing nearby and these lionesses had their sights set on a kill. They had already singled out their prospective prey, and together, made a beeline for the bewildered warthog.
“At first they seemed calm and relaxed but, suddenly the females got up, lined themselves up, and the hunt started. Emotions were through the roof!”
Lionesses close in on warthog
With a cloud of dust and frenzied movement, the lionesses closed in on the warthog, and it appeared time was up for the smaller animal. While warthogs have tusks which can be used in their defense, this one had been overwhelmed by the sheer force of the two lionesses.
It would take a miracle to set the little guy free.
However, it would seem miracles do happen in the bushveld. A male lion had been watching the entire spectacle and he was now just metres away.
Male lion disturbs lionesses
The male lion charged into the frenzied ball of lioness and warthog, adding to the commotion and causing the lionesses to scatter.
Not believing its luck, the warthog started to run for its life.
It ran fast with its tail in the air, the male lion in pursuit. However, the lion wasn’t quite interested in making a kill.
He ran after it for a little while, his running slowing down with each step. He eventually came to a standstill. The warthog had been given a free chance.
Warthog runs off into the distance
Perhaps the warthog continued to run for a long while in panic, with its tail in the air. If there had been a soundtrack to this run of freedom it might’ve been, ‘Born Free’. It was indeed a triumphant moment.
The male lion possibly disturbed the lionesses’ efforts unintentionally, but the warthog wasn’t complaining!
“Visiting the park for more than twenty years, I’ve seen the aftermath of kills a couple of times, but never a hunt and then timing it well enough to capture it on camera too! That was the best luck of all,” said Cobus. “The sighting ended with this WOW feeling.”