In a tense and dramatic encounter, an elderly Northern Avoca male lion was left battered and bruised after a hunting attempt went wrong. The lion, separated from the Nkuhuma pride, was unintentionally trampled by a herd of buffaloes during the incident.
The scene unfolded during a morning safari at the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where 24-year-old field guide Deon Kelbrick and guests from Nkorho Bush Lodge witnessed the event. Kelbrick later shared his account with LatestSightings.com.
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“At dawn on Wednesday, my guests and I set out to find Africa’s iconic lions. Not long after leaving the lodge, we began tracking the sub-adults of the Nkuhuma pride. Hungry and determined, they were following a large herd of buffaloes,” Kelbrick recalled.
Lions are uniquely social animals, and their cooperative hunting behavior gives them an edge when targeting larger prey. This skill is particularly valuable when there are many mouths to feed within the pride.
“The Nkuhumas, with their experience in buffalo hunting, were quick to target the weakest member of the herd. They managed to corner one buffalo, and it seemed like the end was near for the animal,” Kelbrick continued. “But just as we thought the buffalo’s fate was sealed, its desperate cries echoed through the bush, summoning the rest of the herd to its aid.”
The situation quickly turned dangerous for the lions. The enraged buffaloes surrounded the dark-maned Avoca male, a pride leader.
Buffaloes are one of the few animals in Africa capable of standing up to a lion. Their large horns and massive bodies make them formidable opponents, and despite the risks, lions are often willing to take the chance for a meal.
“Dark Mane Avoca was overwhelmed with fear as the buffaloes closed in. He tried to escape into nearby bushes, but the relentless buffalo herd continued their attack. The lion was thrown around, gored by horns, and trampled by hooves,” Kelbrick described.
The brutal assault lasted for a grueling 15 minutes, leaving the lion severely injured. Fortunately, his roars for help were heard by the rest of his pride, who rushed to his aid. Their presence scared off the buffaloes, giving them a chance to survive.
“My guests and I were deeply affected by what we had witnessed and returned to camp, struggling to process the intensity of the morning’s events,” Kelbrick reflected.
“Later that day, when we revisited the site, we found the Nkuhuma pride gathered around Dark Mane Avoca, who was visibly battered and tending to his injuries.”
The question now remains: Is this the end of an era for the old lion?
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