Watch The Sighting:
Ranger Mike from Mala Mala Game Reserve captured the action while out on a game drive with his guests. He saw the lions preparing to ambush a herd of buffalo and took out his camera, preparing to witness a hunt.
Nothing could have prepared him for the action that was to unfold…
Lions Launch Their Attack
Two lionesses crept down the hillside and then began their ambush. They gave chase to the herd from behind, causing them to stampede directly towards Mike’s vehicle!
It was hard for everyone in the vehicle to remain calm as the hundreds of buffalo ran right by them, but their proximity gave them a front-row seat to witness the tactics of the lionesses.
The females worked together to chase the herd up the bank, which naturally caused the buffalo to slow down enough for the lions to isolate a victim. As plumes of dust were kicked up by the buffalo, everyone’s view was clouded, but it was obvious the females had chosen their target as its distress calls rang through the air.
The Unlikely Alliance
A few moments later, Mike couldn’t believe his eyes when two male lions from a different pride rushed onto the scene. Would they help the females claim their prize or try to take down the buffalo themselves?
Surprisingly, all four lions managed to work together peacefully! They all took turns jumping on the buffalo’s back to tire it out.
Finally, using their combined weight, the lions were able to pull the buffalo to the ground and roll it onto its back. It seemed as though it was over for the poor victim, and all four lions would share the spoils.
An Ending No One Saw Coming
All of a sudden, a lioness from the males’ pride approached the others to join the feast, and the initial females were not happy about it. One of the females lowered her ears and hissed in disapproval as the newcomer lay down to eat.
Tensions grew, and it was clear the first lioness was getting more and more impatient with the other female’s presence. Finally, it ran out, and she attacked!
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In a confusing brawl of claws and teeth, the females attacked each other, causing the males to join in and defend their own. Amidst the chaos, none of the lions seemed to notice as the buffalo slowly got up and walked away almost completely unharmed!
A Safari Like No Other
Mike and his guests were stunned as the buffalo made its escape! It would live to see another day, but was up for an awkward reunion with its herd, who stood by and watched instead of helping.
The lions, on the other hand, learned that sometimes it’s best to put pride politics aside when a massive meal is at stake. A lot of energy was wasted in pursuit of this meal, and now all of them would have to start over from square one.
This rare and unique sighting offers a glimpse into the unpredictability of life in the wild. While on safari, you never know when you will witness a sighting such as this, so always have your camera ready!