In this video, this indignity happens to a pair of amorous lions when their acts become the focus of a herd of Cape buffalo
Alberto filmed this sighting at Matimba Bush Lodge. The video was posted on November 25, 2024
We join the action to find a few buffalo standing near a waterhole. In the background, a male and female lion stand in the shade of a palm thicket.
Watch The Sighting
What Brings Them Here?
While we don’t know how either species came to be here, it’s easy to assume that this may turn into a confrontation as they are predator and prey.
Are we about to see the lions hunt? Are the buffalo going to launch an offensive against their mortal enemies?
But wait! Why did the lioness lie down? The male seems to have noticed, too.
The next image reveals what is unfolding… And, as you’ll see in the images that follow, the buffalo seem to find this all quite interesting.
Next, we see that the lions are a mating pair. The female is in oestrus, a period of sexual receptivity during which she can conceive.
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Lion Courtship
So, when a lioness enters oestrus, she releases a pheromone in her urine to advertise her readiness to mate.
The male identifies this signal, a sniff of her urine followed by a weird grimace, made while a special organ determines sexual readiness.
Short And Sweet Hit Repeat
Despite their “macho” reputation, male lions (like other cats) are not known for long-lasting lovemaking. Each copulation lasts about 30 seconds.
He’s Got The Moves And Stamina To Match
While that may not seem impressive, he will repeat the act every 20-30 minutes, mating up to 50 times per day. This continues for the duration of her oestrus cycle, which typically lasts four days.
The female seems non-plussed by the event, even when he pulls his signature “Random Leg Lift” manoeuvre. However, mating is often followed by a brief scuffle as he withdraws.
In the image above, note that he is snarling. Perhaps he is expecting his partner to react in some way to the act being concluded. Her continued look of disinterest suggests otherwise.
If anything, she now seems vaguely interested in the buffalo. For him, it’s time to mark his territory (note the raised tail in the next image) and prepare for the next round of mating.
What makes this encounter unusual is the presence of the buffalo. This is coincidental, brought about by the location of the manmade waterhole.
Yeah, But Still! There Are Lions Nearby
As mentioned, the lions are pretty much preoccupied with procreation. The buffalo may be able to sense this.
Additionally, the lions are in plain sight. This means that the herd can keep an eye on them, taking the appropriate action should the lions’ behaviour change.
And Change It Will
Lions seldom eat when mating, only pausing to drink and rest. When they’re done, their immediate priority will be food.
Buffalo is highly rated on a lion’s menu. Although a fearsome opponent, an adult buffalo will provide food for several days, making it worth the risks involved in tackling one.
We hear the human spectators chuckle as the video plays, no doubt amused and perplexed by the interaction. We trust they’re also aware that in Nature, fortunes can change in an instant.