He reports that the lions had been chasing the giraffe for some time and, as we join the action, both predators and prey are extremely tired.
The adult lions are panting heavily and the giraffe appears stressed to a standstill.
Let’s try again
Having recovered sufficiently, a lioness moves behind the giraffe and attempts to launch onto its hindquarters…
Strike one!
Despite easily jumping several metres, she can’t get a grip with her claws. The giraffe reacts and as it spins to the right, the lioness is thrown to the ground.
Mind those hooves!
The exhausted giraffe again tries to flee her attackers, lashing out with her legs to keep them at bay.
Strike two!!
Moments later, a second lioness springs onto the giraffe. This time, it aims for the shoulders, hoping to bite into the neck.
Once again, the giraffe’s luck holds as the lion can’t hold on–falling hard to the ground.
By now, the rest of the lions–cubs included–are following closely, sensing their luck is about to change.
Strike three!!!
With lions circling, the giraffe lashes out with its legs. This defence tactic is very dangerous for the lions. A single blow from the hoof could easily break a jaw, rendering a lion unable to feed.
Undeterred, a third lioness makes her assault…
A non-stick giraffe???
At this point, it’s understandable to wonder if this giraffe has some life-saving coating that repels lions. The lions have failed no less than three times to bring it down.
The poor giraffe’s absolute exhaustion soon becomes clear.
Fallen Warrior
Having repelled numerous attacks, we see the giraffe become increasingly unsteady on its feet. In a scene reminiscent of a hero’s last stand, he wobbles and sways before collapsing in a heap on the ground.
No mercy
Quickly realising the tables have turned in their favour, the lions descend on the stricken giraffe. It is a small mercy then, that the video comes to an end.
We can only hope that the giraffe’s ultimate death swiftly followed. We know however that this is not always the case.
Some experts say that shock negates some of the pain. Regardless, from a human perspective, one can’t help but feel for the exhausted and outnumbered giraffe.
Giraffe defences
Although timid creatures, giraffes have a few anti-predator strategies. Standing 16-18 feet (4.8-5.5 m) tall, with excellent eyesight, they can detect danger at some distance.
They weigh up to 4,200 pounds (1,900 kg), making them hard to bring down when running up to 35 miles (56 kilometres) per hour.
And, as we see in the video, their long legs with heavily boned ankles and hooves can be devastating at close quarters.
Nature’s delicate balance
The video reminds us though, that the margins for survival are very fine. A stand-off and brave defence was not enough to save the giraffe. For the lions, perseverance and luck combined to feed the large pride for days to come.