In a heart-stopping encounter in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, a herd of buffaloes intervened to save a young elephant calf from a pride of lions. Hospitality expert Jill Mathews captured this unexpected act of bravery.
Jill, 63, and her companions arrived at the Klopperfontein Dam early in the morning. The dam, almost dry, was a scene of various animals, including two giant bull elephants shielding a baby elephant, buffaloes, zebras, and impalas, all searching for the last traces of moisture.
Lion (Panthera leo) female, Phinda Private game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hidden in the shade of trees, a pride of lions lay in wait, camouflaged on rocks above the dam. One lioness, in particular, was alert and watchful. Sensing that the lions were planning a hunt, Jill and her group decided to leave and return later.
Upon their return at 17:15, the scene was tense. The lions remained in their strategic position, ready to attack. To everyone’s shock, a lone baby elephant emerged from the bushes, making it an easy target for the lions, who swiftly ambushed it.
As the baby elephant struggled, a group of buffaloes nearby heard the commotion and decided to investigate. Recognizing their eternal enemies, the buffaloes charged at the lions, driving them away individually. Seizing this opportunity, the baby elephant ran towards the two bull elephants near the dam for protection.
Screenshot via AATG, youtube. Captured by Jill Mathews.
However, the ordeal wasn’t over. The two bull elephants didn’t shield the terrified calf, and the lions, sensing this vulnerability, attacked once more. This time, the attack was obscured from view behind a bush.
Jill and her husband were emotionally overwhelmed, witnessing this raw display of nature. The bull elephants, too, seemed to express deep emotions of loss as they realized the baby elephant’s plight.
The encounter concluded with the large pride of lions, numbering between 15 and 18, overpowering the baby elephant. Jill presumes the lions succeeded in their hunt.