In a remarkable display of power, a pride of lions successfully brought down a 2,000-pound water buffalo in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The dramatic event was captured in heart-stopping footage, highlighting the lions’ extraordinary teamwork.
The photos show the lions initiating their attack by approaching the massive buffalo from behind. The group, consisting of 15 lions, bit and clawed at the buffalo, overwhelming it with their combined strength.
The buffalo, alone at the time, appeared to groan in pain as the lions attacked. Initially, the pride rested in the shade, a few meters away from the unsuspecting buffalo.
When two male lions noticed the potential prey, they rose to investigate. The pair then charged towards the buffalo, quickly joined by the lionesses.
Despite attempting to flee, the buffalo was soon surrounded by the predators. It slipped and surrendered to the lions, seemingly realizing it was outmatched.
According to photographer Murray Jacklin, who witnessed the event, the lions took down the buffalo surprisingly, focusing their efforts on its hind thigh.
“The buffalo seemed to understand that it couldn’t fight back and didn’t offer much resistance,” Jacklin recounted.
The lions managed to kill the buffalo in under five minutes. Within 24 hours, they had devoured the entire carcass.
Lions typically prefer smaller prey like wildebeest, which are easier to hunt. However, when a pride is large enough, they can take down larger animals like water buffalo. Success in such hunts is rare, as these larger beasts often have the strength to fend off predators.
Jacklin noted, “Because of the size of the pride and the number of strong male lions, it took just a few minutes to bring down the buffalo. The buffalo tried its best to fend off attacks from other pride members.”
As the lions overpowered the buffalo, one lioness began to strangle it while the others held it down.
The buffalo’s cries of pain echoed through the air until it finally succumbed to the lions’ superior strength.
Once the buffalo was pinned to the ground and suffocated, the kill was complete within five minutes.
Although the scene was brutal, Jacklin reflected on the experience, saying, “I witnessed nature in its rawest form, and it was a privilege to capture these moments.
I’ve never seen anything so intense, but it was undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary sights I’ve ever encountered in the African bush.”
Read more Wildlife News.