Lions of Sabi Sands

[Rabubi]

(04-05-2022, 12:15 AM)Duco Ndona Wrote: Truth be told, Ive seen similar stuff like that happen at zoos.
Its probably more a body language and opportunism thing than some weird hiding trick.

It often happens in zoos/lion parks where the big cats have been raised by humans and because they are so familiar with us on a physical level (touching, grooming, etc.) they can recognize human forms whether they are inside a vehicle or not. That level of unfamiliarity + nervous/foolish tourists that would mistakenly convey the body language of a prey/rival + the X-factor that is hard-wired instinct are all recipes for disaster/tragedy.

Lions in the wild aren't as accustomed to humans, which is often why they normally keep a reasonable distance from humans during a guided walk. When you consider such unfamiliarity to humans (compared to captive-bred lions, anyway), plus said humans being inside the vehicles that the lions are indifferent to, it makes sense that attacks in such a scenario would be extremely rare. It's not a weird hiding trick. The predators simply don't perceive vehicles and their occupants as a threat or food source, especially in private concessions where extra care is taken when approaching wild animals. Reply