As Gert does not have social media, his story was related to Latest Sightings by Colin Pretorius.
The action unfolded in clear view, with a herd of buffalo standing in opposition to a pride of lions.
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A wounded buffalo was the reason behind this usual breathtaking confrontation.
Grazing buffalo disturbed by pride of lions
A herd of buffalo were grazing near to the Crocodile River when their peace was disturbed by a pride of hungry lions. “The lions started chasing the herd and eventually brought one of the buffaloes down.”
Due to the immense strength and defensive nature of buffalo, lions seldom attempt to hunt them on their own. Instead, they rely on teamwork to increase their chances of success.
Their co-ordinated efforts are used to separate a buffalo from the herd, wear it down, and ultimately overpower it.
In this instance, all seemed over for the buffalo, which lay injured on the ground, surrounded by the lions – and there were many.
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However, the event took an unexpected turn when the small herd of buffalo started to close in on the lions. “They came back with a vengeance to save the one that was left for dead just a few moments ago.”
It was a spectacular moment to see the buffalo come to the aid of their friend – standing boldly in spite of the large pride of lions, mostly lionesses.
The buffalo edged closer, intimidating the lions with their impressive horns.
Some of the lions could be seen watching from a distance. It appeared there were even some older cubs among them.
While an single buffalo might be easy prey for lions; a herd standing in unity presents a formidable front. “They buffalo tried for a while, and intimidated the lions who were by this time, more than aware of the herds’ return.”
A rescue mission was at hand, and Gert was witness to it all.
As the intimidation from the buffaloes continued, two of the male buffaloes had a go at one other, locking their horns and oblivious to the urgency and tentative nature of the moment.
Buffalo try to drive lions away from injured buffalo
The lions stood their ground but dared not threaten the herd. There were times they edged closer, and times the buffaloes edged closer. The sheer number of the lions standing alongside a herd of buffalo presented an impressive sight.
In an explosive moment one of the buffaloes charged full force into the lions, and they scattered backwards, moving away from the wounded buffalo. Using horns and fueled by fury, the buffaloes tried to keep the lions at bay.
With adults weighing up to 1,000kg, and with horns that can span as much as 1,5 metres, the buffalo is an intimidating creature.
Herd realises wounded buffalo will not recover
However, sadly for the injured buffalo, it would not rise to join its herd again. “When the herd realized that the damage had been done and the victim would not return to the with them, they started to move off to the distance.”
Gert believes that he was privileged to be able to experience God’s creation in such a special way. While the injured buffalo lost its life, Gert believed it was victory to the buffaloes, which showed themselves as brave and faithful in the face of incredible danger.