Watch the sighting here:
Sandro Geyser recorded this prolonged and heart-wrenching interaction and sent his account to Latest Sightings. He filmed it near Camp Khwai in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Lions nearby
Sandro recounts that camp staff informed him that there were lions nearby. Later, when he went to investigate, he found that two lionesses had just brought down a roan antelope.
As his video starts, we see one of the lionesses biting the upper thigh of the fallen antelope. Moments later, the second lioness comes into view.
Foregone conclusion
At this point, it looks like a foregone conclusion that the predators will soon subdue the roan. That said, the antelope is still alive and not ready to quit.
But, as the lionesses gather at its rear, it looks like they may start feeding before it dies.
Reputation Of Roan
However, roan antelopes have a reputation for putting up a vigorous defence when threatened. Their curved horns are formidable weapons, capable of inflicting serious injuries on attackers.
It uses them to good effect as the lions continue to target its hindquarters. As if understanding the threat, the lions are careful to avoid their scything swipes.
Roan are among the largest antelopes in Africa, making it a big meal for the pride, but harder to hunt as it is also powerful.
Still, with two lions present, one gets the sense it is just a matter of time before one will grab the antelope by the throat.
Not so quick
It is therefore nothing short of miraculous to see the beleaguered antelope rise to its feet. Weary of its dangerous horns, the lions backed off somewhat.
In the next scene, the roan is seen standing alone while the lions rest in the shade of a nearby thicket. Have they given up?
Serious injury
Subsequently, when the antelope attempts to walk, it is obvious that it has sustained a serious injury to its left hind leg. Doing its best to walk, its hindquarters collapse when weight is put on it.
Sandro said that it was a blisteringly hot day. But, after resting a while in the shade, the lions rose to renew their assault.
Lions typically use the night to their advantage when prey are less alert. But seeing the roan in this state gave them the idea it’s an easy meal.
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Charge!
Charging forward, it seems the lioness’s patience has run out. However, as it nears the stricken antelope, it seems to remember the dangerous horns.
Accordingly, it attempted to manoeuvre to the rear of the antelope. The crippled roan could not keep up and the lioness pounced.
Subsequently, the roan once again relied on its swiping horns to deter the predator.
Injured but not defeated
As the lions once again retreat, it is heart-wrenching to see the antelope struggling to regain its feet. Gasping in the heat, all it can do is rise onto its knees before collapsing again.
The lions watched from a distance, waiting for the roan to exert its last bits of energy.
Renewed assault
Later, the antelope made it to the shade of a thicket. The lions, however, were still present. Again, one of them attempts to subdue their quarry.
And again, the antelopes’ horns keep it at bay.
Sandro said, “By the time we had to leave [in the] late afternoon, both the roan and lions were lying in the shade, mere metres away from each other.
“It seemed as if there was a truce between them.”
Not a trace
Curious, Sandro returned to the area the following day, finding no trace of either the lions or the roan. He tells us he assumes the roan died during the night.
The sighting is a wonderful – if sad – reminder of the power of the survival instinct. Also, the respect shown by the lions for their prey perfectly illustrates how roan antelope earned their reputation for bravery.
In closing, Sandro reflected, “I have been privileged to see many rare animal sightings and behaviours throughout Southern Africa, but this tops the list as the most touching and memorable sighting.
“Almost as if there was an emotional connection”.
Moving on to another sighting:
The Moment Lions Got Bullied For A Change
In this hunt, though, the lions were pushed back. Even with a male lion in the mix, they lacked the numbers.
A Rhino Too Tempting To Ignore
Lions rarely target rhinos as they have a complete defensive arsenal with their sheer size, thick skin, and sharp horns. But here, this lion pair had the rhino on their menu.
The lioness was already preparing its position, ready to pounce when the rhino was unguarded.
Lions Go All In
As the rhino turned, the lioness took its chances and leapt at its hind leg. The rhino then bolted forward in shock, tossing her easily.
The male lion then charged, facing the rhino, standing firm with its horn lowered and ready.
Almost Got Hit by the Counterattack
As the male lion got close, the rhino angled its horn right into the lion’s face.
The lion then had doubts in its attack and pulled back mid-stirde, making the rhino miss by just a few inches. An attack like that would be fatal even for a big lion.
Shameful Retreat
The lioness then regrouped and thought of another charge, saving its last remaining ego. But she swallowed it, and her doubts saved her from another counterattack.
The king and queen of the savannah then realized that taking one of Africa’s big five would take an entire pride of lions. They watched as the rhino moved on, with victory as its crown.