The buffalo had no inclining of the pride’s presence. Gently ruminating amongst the lush summer grass, their slothful ignorance was simply a calm before the storm. The stillness of the silent bushveld was soon to be shattered as the pride drew closer to their targets of desire and point of potential sustenance…
Lions and buffalos are eternal enemies. It is a conflict which stems from unparalleled seasons of killing, violence and bloodshed. Both parties are guilty of instigating aggression towards one another and, as a result, many herds and prides have suffered the loss of life as well as the pain of injury.
At Londolozi all of the lion prides that move through the property hunt buffalo. Some are more successful than others, however all exhibit the same intensity and blind hatred towards their foes. Often they will succeed, sometimes they will fail, but always will they try. Amidst herds of hundreds, trampled green grass and the ancient trees which watch the gladiators fight time and again the battle continues.
It is not a war that will ever end and it is not a right of passage that will secure anything more than a meal for the next few days. This is bloodshed for survival and conflict for sustenance. Unlike the warring barbarians of todays society, these animals do not fight for money, oil, power or status and although their methods may appear brutal, the ideology and measure in which they go about their task is for more civilized than we will ever be….
Written by: Rich Laburn
Photographed by: Mike Miller
Rich! Awesome sighting! Sparta pride?
Hi Jacques, It was actually the Southern Pride.