Lion Predation

[LandSeaLion]

An example of macropredation on elephants by members of the Savuti pride - a pair of lionesses apparently brought down a 10-year old elephant cow in 2008. Quite extraordinary.

https://lionprides.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/elephant-kill-at-savute-safari-lodge/

Quote:Another spectacular elephant kill has been achieved by the Savute Pride at Savute Safari Lodge. A few nights ago, around 21h30, shortly after dinner, the camp manager went down to the fireplace in front of the lodge to get the fire ready prior to guests arriving for their nightcap. Just as he got the fire started there was a growl extremely close by. A large female lioness was standing only a couple of meters away. Kobus, the camp manager, started backing away very slowly and made his way back to the bar to ensure that everybody was safe and behind closed doors.

Shortly afterwards, Gwist, one of the guides, and Kobus took a vehicle around to the front of the camp to see if the lions were still there before they accompanied the guests back to their suites. Two Lionesses were in front of the fireplace, looking intently at the 150 or so elephants that were moving around the waterhole. On returning to the main area they barely noticed the one female as she was walking past the front of the lodge. A few minutes later everybody could hear the anxious yelps of a pack of wild dog close by. It was very difficult trying to keep everyone inside, knowing exactly what was transpiring around the waterhole, however, as always safety comes first. After less than a minute the panicking bellowing of an elephant could be heard.

Very slowly and with great care, Kobus made his way down to the swimming pool deck to see what had happened. The two Lionesses had just brought down an elephant cow of approximately ten years old. Slowly everybody moved into a position from where they could observe the lions, as the staff were unsure where the remaining lions of the pride were, this, however was only for a few of minutes before they all made their way back to the bar.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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