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Home Animals Sad Moment Blind Eland Walks Into Lions

Sad Moment Blind Eland Walks Into Lions

Field guide Francis Kijazi recently witnessed a blind eland walk straight into a pride of lions, oblivious to any impending danger.

Heather Djunga
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While the eland was blind to their presence, the lions were very aware of the buck; having watched and stalked the vulnerable animal from a distance before closing in.

The eland eventually did hear the lions, however, by then it was too late!

An unsuspecting victim

The action unfolded during a morning of game viewing. Francis explains he and those he was touring with spotted the pride of lions spending their morning lazing around in the tall grass that envelopes the Serengeti plains.

Well-camouflaged in the grass and enjoying a morning lie-in, the lions seemed uninterested in their surroundings and unbothered by the vast amount of game that was feeding on the plains.

However, all of this changed when one of the lions picked up the movement of a large eland heading their way.

Francis recognised this particular eland straight away: “As a guide in the Serengeti for many years, I have become very familiar with all of the animals, and this particular eland was no stranger. It was a blind eland that was a frequent visitor to this particular area.”

Eland oblivious to impending danger

The eland’s steady gait showed it was completely unaware of the lions’ presence. For the buck, it was business as usual. As it walked across the plains, all seemed peaceful. Abundant game continued to graze on the horizon.

However, all was not what it seemed. The pride of lions remained still in the tall grass as the eland came closer and closer. The eland, oblivious to the danger that lurked in the grass, continued on its trajectory straight into the lions’ trap.

The large antelope could have been blind for many reasons: as a result of an injury or infection, or even a genetic condition.

While the reason for its blindness was unclear, what was clear was that its condition left it at a serious disadvantage when it came to predators like lions.

Elands are magnificent creatures in and of themselves. They are in fact the largest antelope species in Africa and can weigh up to 1000 kg (2200 lbs) and stand up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall at the shoulder.

To bring down such a colossal animal is a great triumph for a pride of lions, and these lions had their hearts set on a kill.

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Lions close in for a kill

By the time the eland suddenly became aware of the lions and tried to run away, it was too late. The lions closed in at great speed, with the eland putting up an impressive chase in spite of its blindness.

The brief chase was a glorious display of the strength and power, beauty and brutality of nature. The breathtaking strength of the lionesses took centre stage as they closed in for the kill.

Says Francis: “They were all over the eland, bringing it down with a flurry of teeth and claws.”

As a guide who was familiar with the eland in question, it must’ve been a sad moment to see the giant animal fall down and breathe his last.

A memorable viewing experience

“As a safari guide, I’ve seen my fair share of predator-prey interactions, but this one was particularly memorable,” says Francis. “While it was sad to see the eland meet its end in such a violent way, it was also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the animals that call this harsh landscape home.”


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