The hyenas had come to scavenge from a lion kill, and one of the lions had found himself surrounded by a whooping clan of the intimidating scavengers.
Watch The Sighting:
However, the lion did what he knew best to do and raised his mighty voice in a call for help. What ensued was a heroic rescue of Lion King proportions.
Hyenas surround distressed lion
It all started when Amber and her family received news about lions on a wildebeest kill just 5km away from the Tshokwane picnic site. When they arrived, they parked their car to look down on a lion feeding on the kill. A few hyena stragglers seemed to be milling around.
Hyenas are scavengers, which means they will often hang around kills, hoping to get their share of the feast.
More hyenas arrive
While initially there were only a few hyenas opting for a free meal, this number grew quite suddenly; with as many as 12 hyenas soon gathering on site, ‘talking’ among themselves using their characteristic whoops.
By the distressed sounds from the lion, it seems he was starting to feel more like the prey than the predator!
Spotted hyenas are are quite vocal creatures, and many sounds could be heard coming from the clan members as they communicated.
However, the lion was also determined to use its voice. Its pride members were nearby and he made every effort to let them know that he needed help – and fast!
The hyenas might have had a voice, but so did he! His voice was about to rouse a confrontation reminiscent of Lion King movie scenes.
Help arrives in full force
“Soon after this started I noticed that the rest of the pride, a few 100 meters away, heard his moans and came running to help,” said Amber. “This was when the females charged at the hyenas. This all happened so quickly but wow! It was so awesome. I became excited as the suspense grew, I just knew that some sort of drama was going to unfold and I was so ready for it.”
Hyenas are in fact experienced hunters, and while they are scavengers, they don’t just live off scraps. A large percentage of their diet actually comes from them making their own kills.
They’re also fast eaters and a clan of hyenas can literally consume an animal as large as a zebra within 30 minutes.
It’s no wonder that the lion was more than just a little nervous, with 12 of them surrounding him!
Help arrived and there was an epic stand-off. Hyena tails flashed in distress and the lithe forms of stealth lions scattered the clan members in all directions.
For Amber, this presented an unforgettable moment. Seeing a Lion King stand-off in real life is something every teen dreams of.
Hyenas run for the hills
“The sighting ended with the hyenas running for the hills,” said Amber, recalling the riveting action of the day.
“The lions regrouped and fell asleep in the riverbed,” she said.
And so ended another victorious day for the lion pride!
With the hyenas banished from the ‘Pride Lands’, they felt more at ease and all spectators were reminded why the Lion is and remains, the King of the Jungle.