Watch the sighting here:
Shannon Finnegan submitted her footage and account of the hunt. She filmed it while on a game drive in the Kruger National Park.
Lucky to find lions
Shannon says they were excited to find the lions walking along after two hours with few sightings. A while later, their excitement grew when they saw a lone warthog approaching on the road.
As we see in her video, the lions instantly switched to hunting mode by moving into position for an ambush. Numerous factors were in their favour, including a strong breeze in their favour and ample cover in the long grass.
A pig on the path
Wild animals frequently use roads as they offer a clear view forward and are easy to traverse. Or so the warthog thought.
As it continued to approach, the younger lion slunk off to the left, presumably hoping to get behind the hapless hog. The adult held back, keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Unbothered. Moisturised. Happy. In my lane.
Meanwhile, as if humming the warthog anthem, Hakuna Matata, to itself, the little warthog was completely oblivious to the danger ahead. So much so that at intervals, it would stop to feed.
Vanishing video
Meanwhile, another kind of drama was playing out. Shannon’s camera was running out of recording space. At this point, we hear her say she only has one minute of video left…
With the countdown clock ticking, time was of the essence.
Springing into action
Suddenly, the tension was broken when the younger lion sprung the ambush. Sensing danger, the warthog immediately bolted towards Shannon.
With a slight headstart, the fleeing pig may have had visions of a grand escape…
Don’t joke!
However, such lofty thoughts soon came to an end when the other lioness suddenly appeared on the road in front of the hurrying hog.
Stretching out her massive front limb, she blocked the pig’s path…
Hapless hog
With her claws embedded in the hapless hog, the lioness had no trouble bringing its flight to freedom to an abrupt halt.
The pursuing sub-adult was hot on its heels and quickly leant a paw to ensure their prey could not escape.
Let’s eat
The warthog’s squeals were soon silenced as the lioness clamped her jaws on its throat. Subsequently, the predatory pair dragged it into the bush to begin their feast.
Teamwork makes the dream work
This video illustrates a textbook example of the strategic cooperative hunting tactics of lions. From the outset, each lion knows what is required.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Although young lions often disrupt hunts, this individual appears to be sufficiently experienced not to do so. We see this in the patience it displays while getting into an ambush position.
Furthermore, it only leaps into action once the target is between it and the waiting lioness. This reduces the avenues of escape available.
The adult, too, patiently waits, for the warthog to get closer and for the youngster to initiate the attack. She then waits for the perfect moment to reveal herself, giving the warthog no chance of escaping.
And, for Shannon, her decision to choose a quiet road and stay with the lions paid dividends for her patient investment.