June 17th 2015, my wife’s 50th birthday; we had been on a roll, enjoying some incredible sights thanks to the combined efforts of our Ranger Garrett and Tracker Life. So when we set off on another cold but beautiful morning, I rather thought that our luck would run out. I was wrong; Garrett and Life followed their instincts and we headed up to the northern border where wild dogs were rumoured to be active. We were immediately rewarded with two of the pack returning to their den in the stunning dawn light.
As we returned south we paused for a moment and with the engine off, we could clearly hear the distress call of impalas. We arrived to see the unusual sight of two rutting males with horns locked and unable to free themselves. Ironically, it was the female distress calls that were to ensure the demise of one of the males and there was an unsettling air of expectancy as the males battled to free themselves…
The two rams with horns locked and unable to break free
Almost inevitably, a hyena lolloped into view and despite the large numbers of impala scattering the area, it seemed to instinctively take a direct path towards the stricken males. “This is not going to be pretty” Garrett said in a hushed voice. As the impala sensed the approaching hyena their attempts to free themselves became ever more frenetic, more desperate.
The moment of impact as the hyena seizes the opportunity to take advantage of the two impalas locked by their horns
The unfortunate male that is taken down
For the viewer witnessing the scene unfold it was a cocktail of emotions; pity, morbid fascination and awe.
The impala is thrust into the air by the powerful force of the hyena
“This is not going to be pretty” Garrett said in a hushed voice.
The scene becomes ever more frenetic
After a brief struggle, the impala accepted its fate
A gory sight as the hyena devours every last bit of its kill
For the viewer witnessing the scene unfold it was a cocktail of emotions; pity, morbid fascination and awe.
Within 20 minutes almost every element had been consumed
One last look
Luckily the impact of the hyena attack freed one of the impala which was to guarantee his immediate survival. The other was set upon with ruthless ferocity and after a brief struggle, accepted its fate. Mercifully, the hyena disposed of its kill rapidly; crunching through bones and leaving very little for a smaller counterpart who had tried, in vain, to join the party.
Within 20 minutes almost every element had been consumed and with the circling above us, one was reminded just how efficient this ecosystem can be.
Certain birthday presents can be readily forgotten, this however will not be one of them!
Special thanks to Garrett, Life, Reetel and Will for making our trip so special.
Written and Photographed by: Simon John Owen, Londolozi Guest
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Amazing pictures of an incredible scene the one of the Hyena looking towards who covered in blood is a priceless photo of the wild African Bush.
Stunning images. Incredible sighting.
I almost felt as if I were there…fantastic series of photos. My mouth is still open in awe and fascination. Although one impala perished, at least one survived. A belated happy birthday! Did you get an elephant dung cake as I did on mine?
Amazing photos! I was in a separate vehicle that also had the incredible luck to witness this scene. It was our final drive before we had to fly home – and what a parting gift! The hyenas devoured the impala, bone and all, and left only scraps for the eagles and vultures circling above. So cool! Thanks for sharing!
Great photos! Delighted to see pictures of hyaena taking a natural advantage of the situation, and showing clearly what they are capable of and that they don’t just scavenge, as so many people mistakenly believe.
Brilliant Footage …This is nature and the cycle of life
Amazing pictures, thanks for sharing them with us! Sadly there is only one victor & the Hyena won this time round!!
Whilst gory the pictures depict death and survival. Amazing clarity in the second last shot. As you said the pictures raise a mix of emotions.