Lions are always touted as the king of beasts. Not so. Despite the occasional rare event in which lions have been seen taking down elephants (usually isolated incidents involving extenuating circumstances, but certainly not the norm), 99% of the time it is the so-called “King of the Jungle” that will flee before the might of the big grey pachyderms.
Elephants do not have much to fear from lions. Almost infinitely stronger, the very scent of the possible feline threat will often send a herd into a rage, and will end up with the cats scurrying away with their tails between their legs.
This was the case at Ximpalapala Koppie not too long ago, when the Mhangeni Pride, along with two of the Majingilane coalition, had their dignity trodden on as they were chased up into the safety of the boulders by an irate herd of elephants.
The lions had killed an impala early in the afternoon, and were lounging around near the carcass (which the dark-maned Majingilane was monopolising) when the elephants hove into view from the south. Having a few calves with them, and naturally protective animals by nature, the elephants lost no time in moving in to chase the lions away.
After sending the lions packing, the elephants moved off, leaving the pride to slink down to squabble over what was left of the meat.
Enjoy this footage of the encounter…
Filmed by Lucien Beaumont
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Brilliant!
Wow!! What a great view!!! Congratulations Lucien!!!!
That was quite amazing, thank you Lucien for capturing it & James for posting 🙂
Very Cool !!
Love how the one Lioness got her meal back
Hi Lucian, superb footage! Happy was lions being chased and not me. Was that Rich and Oxy in the footage?
Hi Colleen and Trevor,
It was Rich, but Rich Burman, not Ferrier, and Richard Siwela was the tracker.
James T
The elephants were so close to the vehicle! Excitement beyond belief. Great sighting.
AMAZING!! Did the last lion that “sat down” in the distance, hidden by the grass, stay and watch or did he move on as well?
Great video! Love seeing the very small little baby elephant:)
Ellies rule! I know that!
That was a very close encounter for the humans also.. Love to see how quiet and patient everyone was with the ellies so close.
Thank you for sharing this stunning video!
Amazing. Can’t wait to visit
I agree absolutely BRILLIANT!! Those ellies are the most peaceful of beings, until you disturb the tranquility…’the force’. 🙂
LOVE THEM!!!!
Fantastic! A great write up James and I loved the video Lucien! The Lions certainly didn’t take long to get out of the way!
Elephants are large but weak and coward. The brave lions run away because they have many cubs. If the lions have no cubs, they will counter attack, and the weak elephants will scurry away. Please look at the following video, a single male lion kill a young elephant, and the whole herd of 40 elephants could not do any thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL9EGwrI4e4
Great footage Lucien!
WOW – what an amazing experience for all guests …… and rangers !!
just another bunch of bullies eles are
Exceptional moments!!