Our game plan was lions. Lions sleeping, moving, or hunting would be ideal. The latter, even more so. Lions had been found in the morning so we went back to where they had last been seen. Although still amidst the middle of winter, the days have been warming up and we are already starting to see temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. That is the beauty of winter here in the low veld.
That day it had been hot. We didn’t think the lions would have moved too far during the day so we went to the area where they were last seen. We were right, they had moved all of 100m to some shade. In a deep slumber, the lions appeared dead to the world. The arrival of the vehicle saw only one lift its head. We sat with the pride for 20 odd minutes until we were ready to carry on. I had explained to my guests about the movement habits of lions and how they tend to only get moving when the day starts cooling down. Knowing where they were was perfect. Dan Hirschowitz and I were driving a group together. We decided to stop for a drink and snack slightly earlier than usual that afternoon. This would then make it easier to return to the lions as it started getting cooler after the sun had set and darkness descended upon us.
It had been a really hot day by winter standards and all the Ntsevu sub-adults were lying down with their heads up in a clearing. As predicted, with the cool and sun setting the pride stirred, and soon we were following them into the darkness.
As the last bit of light faded into darkness, we returned to the lions. They were grooming themselves and yawning, all signs of the lions getting active and awakening their central nervous systems. Sure enough, not long after that, they were all on the move. Suddenly, the lions all stopped, and an overwhelming sense of focus took over from what was until then an ambled walk and they were off, now running with intent. We had no clue what they had heard, seen, or smelt.
What we didn’t know until then was that the Maxim’s Male leopard had a kill hoisted into a Jackalberry tree and the lions were running straight towards it. This was about to get rather intense and very interesting.
We managed to stay with the lions. Ranger, Patrick Grealy had looped ahead and reported that the lions were surrounding the base of a Jackalberry tree where the Maxim’s Male had a hoisted kill.
Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.
Things then escalated, watch the video beneath to see what unfolded.
Guy, that was absolutely crazy! It seems the Ntsevu sub adults have mastered the art of climbing trees in order to steal a leopard’s kill. I’m really feeling sorry for the leopards now as it hard enough for them to succeed in making a kill since they’re solitary. Now they have to watch out for lions climbing the tree to steal the kill -it’s bad enough the male leopards regularly confiscate some females’ kill. Nature can be tough!
Hello, what happened to the Maxim’s male? Was he stuck in the tree or roaming elsewhere?
He went to the top of the tree where the lions could not get to. Once the lions had got the kill, they moved off which then allowed the Male leopard to descend the tree and escape.
That was definitely a surprise!I know that lions can climb trees, but to have what looks like the entire group fighting among themselves was extraordinary ! wow! thankyou Victoria
Wildlife is unforgiving when food and water are involved. Thanks for sharing Guy. This is just a reminder of the food chain that exists in nature and why only the strongest survive.
It was almost comical watching them. They certainly aren’t nearly as graceful climbing trees as the leopards. Glad the Maxim’s Male wasn’t hurt.
But….. did they get it in the end? Did they get up high enough? Cliffhanger here……………… 😉
They did manage to get the kill but there was only some skin and bones remaining. So for the lions not all worth much in the end.
The Londolozi lions seem to be real experts in climbing trees. Poor leopards! Nothing will be save from the lions if they manage to climb all kinds of trees.
Makes life even harder for leopards!
Hi Christa, they are able to climb but just not as well as leopards. It’s very dependant on what tree the leopards manage to hoist their kill in to.
Love the story Guy! I didn’t think lions made a habit of climbing trees unless it was to get away from biting insects and the heat but I guess an easy meal was too much to ignore! Hope all is well with you & A.
These lions will do anything to get a free meal, even if it means climbing up trees to get it. We are both doing very well thank you. I hope you are both safe and healthy.
Impressive video! Was tough to see what ended up happening. I guess Maxim got out of there and one of those two lions ate the kill in the tree? Lions don’t look to be agile tree climbers like leopards, but strength and determination they seem to have in abundance!
Never saw lions in a tree, but they are also very good climbers. Special video.
What is going on with these lions stealing the kill and climbing trees. They are so many together,they can easily hunt and make a kill. But no they must steal the poor leopards kill and he hunts all alone. I feel sorry for the leopards they work so hard to catch an impala and hoist it up a tree.
A very interesting drive Guy. I know there are some lions that climb trees (if memory serves me right), but now this is a new kettle of fish for the poor leopards. I noticed that the tree was slightly bent over, so maybe this gave them an advantage?? I am sure you will keep your eyes open to see if this is an ongoing thing with them. Thanks for sharing with us, I found it really interesting – and sad for the leopard. Life is really tough in the bush.
The Ntsevus have become really good at stealing carcasses from trees. The Londolozi leopards are gonna have to watch out!
I’ve never felt less likely to get a ladder to get the cats down from a tree
Amazing footage
Very nice video! I was surprised that the lions climbed the tree so easily.
Had to laugh at the two lions precariously balancing while arguing over who was going to be the lucky one to grab the carcass, they are obviously useless hunters. One hopes that they will find a few females soon to show them how it’s done so that the leopard can be left in peace to enjoy their well earn meal! Fabulous footage thanks Guy 🙏🏻❤️