There are many iconic rivalries in the wilds of Africa, some factual, some a bit more imagined.
Lions and buffalo, leopards and baboons (leopards generally don’t bother with baboons at Londolozi), mongooses and snakes…
And when it comes to predators and prey, we tend to imagine textbook scenarios; predator sees prey, predator stalks, prey sees predator, prey flees, predator chases, and so on. But this is far from the case (usually). Every situation and every animal is different.
So when ranger Sean Zeederberg found the Tsalala lioness at Finfoot Crossing recently, and then saw a large giraffe coming down to the river to drink, he knew he couldn’t commit 100% to a prediction of what would happen:
And nothing did…
The old bull was far too big a target for the single lioness to even think of tackling, and the giraffe was well aware that a single lioness didn’t pose that much of a threat for him.
Prey species also read a lot into the body language of predators. A lion slinking low down in the long grass represents a stalking animal with intent, but a lioness simply lazing on the sand right out in the open is not something to be afraid of.
It’s been awhile since a pride on Londolozi was regularly hunting big giraffes. Both the Styx and Ntsevu prides have made attempts recently, but neither were successful. With the Ntsevu pride needing more meat by the day to feed their hungry cubs, maybe it won’t be too long before the giraffe bulls like the one in the video above need to start treading much more carefully..
James, what a cool encounter-it would have been too difficult for a lone Lioness to take down the huge giraffe.
So enjoy reading these blogs, they are always interesting and informative. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words Annie!
Animals seem to have a great deal of common sense. What a great moment to see. Victoria
Love the scénario. Who says that animals have no common sense! Victoria
Another interesting, informative blog Sean. Always good to see a predator and potential prey together in a scene without any drama.
James, It is always amazing to see how the Giraffes have to struggle to get to the water. Legs everywhere!
Is it because she is a single lioness and know she can’t bring the giraffe down on her own that she just watch him?
Amazing sighting! I know that the Nkuhuma Pride on Djuma recently killed a big giraffe.