As we join the action, filmed at an undisclosed location, a large white rhino approaches a small pride of lions.
Watch The Sighting
Battle Lines Drawn
A lion’s menu doesn’t often feature rhinos. Their size, thick skin, and sharp horns are normally sufficient to deter predators. This is evident as the collared lioness makes way when it gets too close for comfort.
Opportunity Knocks
As the rhino turns, we see that a second lioness is present, who can’t ignore the rhino’s rump. She quickly stalks closer and launches herself at her quarry.
The surprised rhino spins, throwing off its attacker, who beats a hasty retreat.
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You’ve Woken The King!
At this point, the pride male takes matters into his own paws. Without hesitating, he charges at the rhino as if intent on preserving the dignity of his mate.
Clash Of Titans!
As the lion charges, the rhino spots the new attacker and lowers its massive horn to defend itself.
In mid-stride, the lion realises its mistake and takes evasive action.
The rhino swipes its horn upwards, somehow narrowly missing the retreating lion. In its haste to escape, the lion nearly loses its footing.
Ever The Opportunists
After two failed attempts, you’d think the lions would realise the folly of their assault. Yet now, the collared lioness decides to rejoin the fray.
Quickly Rebuffed
However, as she approaches, it is as if she suddenly remembers the thwarted efforts of her compatriots.
As the safari vehicle’s mirror comes into view, we now appreciate just how close the encounter was for the onlookers.
The rhino, meanwhile, is full of swagger. Surprisingly lightfooted for its size, it jinks this way and that, looking for further danger.
A Tactical Retreat
Having found no other threats, the rhino looks for an avenue to complete its escape. You may notice that it appears a little indecisive.
This is probably because rhinos have very poor eyesight. However, it doesn’t take long to find a way across the uneven terrain, and it sets off for quieter pastures.
Left With So Many Questions
As the video nears its end, we see the lioness watching the rhino retreat uphill. We can only wonder what she is thinking.
As for Jordan and his guests, we hear them expressing their amazement at what they have seen. One never knows what to expect on a game drive, but no one could’ve foretold this.
Adaptable Killers
Part of what makes lions such successful predators is their sociable nature. As a result of their combined strength and intelligence, they can strategise attacks on much larger prey, including elephants.
Nonetheless, as the lioness turns to face the camera, she looks decidedly confused, if not sheepish.
A Rare Encounter With Rare Animals
While most people know that rhinos are an endangered species, few realise that lions are at risk too. They are classified as “Vulnerable”, with their population decreasing by 30% in two decades.
Habitat loss has reduced their distribution to just 7.4% of their historical range, with most living in protected conservation areas.
Tragically, many lions alive today are captive, bred for trophy hunting and use in traditional medicine. There are three captive lions for every wild lion alive in South Africa.
Both rhinos and lions are ecosystem engineers whose presence enhances the environment for other species. We can only hope they are around for future generations to enjoy spectacles such as this one.