In Kruger National Park in South Africa, a powerful water buffalo encountered a sleeping lioness, appearing as if “enemies meeting made the eyes red.” Despite the skinny lioness realizing the situation and trying to escape within seconds, she was still lifted into the air by the water buffalo using its head and then slammed forcefully onto the ground, making her chances of survival even bleaker.
According to a report by “Latest Sightings” website, a guide named Bathabile Shakwane witnessed this one-sided conflict in the southern part of the park at Satara Camp and captured the incident on camera.
Shakwane said, “We were at Kumana Dam when we noticed a lone lion lying in the bushes near a group of water buffalo. A male water buffalo seemed to notice the lion in the bushes and decided to cautiously approach the lion to see what she was up to.”
Shakwane knew that lions and water buffalo are natural enemies, having engaged in numerous fierce battles in the past. Therefore, she waited to see how the situation would unfold.
From the footage captured by Shakwane, it can be seen that the water buffalo approached the lying lioness. The lioness suddenly decided to leave, but the water buffalo did not let her go easily, following closely behind.
The lioness, looking emaciated upon standing up, appeared to be in poor physical condition. Despite her attempts to evade the water buffalo’s pursuit, her movements were too slow. When the water buffalo caught up to her, she seemed to flip onto her back, possibly in a self-defense posture.
The enraged water buffalo lowered its massive head and forcefully rammed the lioness, successfully lifting her off the ground and tossing her into the air. She flew over the water buffalo’s back and landed heavily on the ground.
While the lioness lay in a cloud of dust, the water buffalo had already run off, preparing to rejoin the herd. The lioness likely should be grateful for this, as when water buffalo sense the lion to be weak, they seldom spare her.
Shortly after, the lioness passed in front of Shakwane’s vehicle. Not only was she skin and bones, but she also limped as she walked. Her right hind leg was completely off the ground, showing signs of injury.
Although she survived the water buffalo’s attack, the lonely lioness, not only injured but also physically weak, likely only postponed the inevitable outcome – death.
As Shakwane put it, “It’s clear that this lioness won’t survive much longer on her own. I can only imagine that she will eventually starve to death.” Such a sight is not one that can be seen every day.