The lions, of course, didn’t understand that it meant ‘no entry’ and went ahead anyway, pushing over the sign and exerting their authority as apex predators.
Mark Fox of Foxy Crocodile Bush Retreat captured the wonderous scene, when nature interacted with one of the creations of the modern, industrial world.
Sign catches lions’ attention
The lions had been spotted walking in and alongside a road near to the Kruger National Park’s Crocodile Bridge Gate.
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The lions were on the move, and might have continued walking in the same direction had the sign not caught their attention.
They walked close to the vehicle, clearly awake and alert to any disturbances or anomalies in their environment. The sign was one of these.
It stood out like a sore thumb and the lions were determined to figure out what it was.
Lions gather to inspect sign
One by one they gathered closer to the sign to inspect the peculiar red and white metallic object.
Of course, they had no reference to metal or to anything with such a bright red surface. They possibly tried to pick up on the sign’s scent, as this is one of the ways that they make sense of their environment.
A male lion stood closest to the sign, studying it with caution. He was flanked by a pair of lionesses who stood just behind him, letting the ‘man of the pride’ do the work.
He was all up for it, showing for his masculine bravado as he confronted the intruder.
His paw went up as he tested the surface of the object. He seemed confused a moment as its texture and appearance were unrecognisable to him.
He poked again with the same paw. Again, he and the lionesses stood by perplexed.
He even tried to bite at the sign. This clearly was unlike anything he had encountered before, as he quickly stopped biting.
Lions are naturally curious animals. This curiosity plays an important role in their survival and social behaviour.
Young lions, in particular, display a high level of curiosity. They often explore their surroundings, stalk small animals or even inanimate objects. This helps them develop the hunting and social skills they will need as adults.
Even adult lions can be curious, especially when something new enters their territory, like a strange object, vehicle, or scent. This sign held their curiosity, and demanded an explanation.
Lion pushes sign over with his paw
The lion continued to push at the sign with his paw. When he pushed a little too hard, it fell over, face down. So much for ‘no entry’. These lions had broken the rules and entered anyway!
The special sighting captured the inherent curiosity in lions, and a rare glimpse into what happens when nature interacts with the modern world.
The lions quickly dealt with the peculiar anomaly in their environment and continued to move on, into the shadows alongside the road, as the spectators followed them, with car headlights lighting the way.