The ‘kings’ of the bush thought that they were unbothered by a passing bull elephant. Well, the lions thought wrong, and the elephant sent all 20 lions fleeing into the bush. It’s interesting to see how the tables can turn in nature. At one point, the lions were bundled together, running for their lives. It…
Deon Kelbrick filmed this curiously one-sided interaction and sent it on the H1-3, and uploaded it on the Latest Sightings app in real-time.
Feline Family Time
Deon’s series of video clips began by setting the scene. A large pride of twenty lions lay spread out on the bank of a dry riverbed.
The pride consists of a mature male, several lionesses and cubs of various ages. Renowned for their strength, both individually and collectively, you would think that nothing would disturb their late morning nap.
What’s that Noise?
While most of the pride rested peacefully, three of them either heard or smelt something that got their attention. Moving away from the group, they went to investigate.
Lone Bull
Subsequently, rising up from the riverbed, appeared a young, lone elephant bull.
On reaching maturity, male elephants leave their natal herds, so this was not unusual in itself. But more about that later.
Tension Mounts
As the oversized gate-crasher came into view, the three lions tensed up. Lions are known to prey on lone elephants in some places, but seldom in Kruger Park.
And it would be no different on this day. Seeing that the bull was heading directly towards them, the three lions gave way.
It was clear that the elephant was well aware of the lions’ presence. Ears flared and head held upright, the bull lengthened his stride as he made straight towards them.
Sitrep
When he got within twenty metres of the pride, he pulled up to assess the situation. And, to give the big cats a chance to leave of their own accord.
Reluctant Compliance
In response, some members of the pride got to their feet and sauntered off. Meanwhile, others remained where they were, not ready to exert themselves until the bull made his next move.
That Escalated Quickly!
Not impressed by the lions’ failure to give way immediately, the elephant took things up a notch. Showing surprising acceleration, the bull charged, trumpeting loudly as he did.
Every member of the pride, from the dominant male to the youngest cub, immediately took off in the opposite direction.
Point Made
Soon enough, the elephant decided that he had made his point. Pulling up, once again, he tracked the movement of a lioness who had splintered from the pride in the chaos.
Later, satisfied that she too did not dispute his supremacy, the bull ripped up a tussock of grass to chew on.
Apparently not liking the taste of his snack, he promptly wandered off.