A mother elephant, desperately in need of water, faced a hungry pride of lions as she approached a remote waterhole with her newly born twin calves, forcing her to make a critical choice.
A mother elephant fights off a pride of lions. (Video: Latest Sightings)
Guide Desmond Clack witnessed the interaction between a mother African elephant and a pride of lions during an early morning safari in Chobe National Park, as reported by India Today on December 7. When Clack and his group arrived at the secluded waterhole, they saw the lions feasting on a young buffalo. Shortly after, a female elephant approached the water with her twin calves. According to Clack, it is extremely rare for an elephant to give birth to twins, and she could struggle to care for both calves simultaneously. She needed to find enough food and water while also keeping her young safe.
The mother elephant was oblivious to the lurking danger because she was too thirsty. The dry season had left very few water sources, and this isolated waterhole was her family’s only hope. Despite the risks, the mother led her twins there. Suddenly, she sensed the presence of the lions, who also took notice of the two young elephants. Realizing the danger, the mother elephant attempted to chase the lions away. The pride retreated momentarily but quickly regrouped and surrounded the mother and her calves. In a desperate move, the mother charged at the attackers, leaving one calf momentarily alone. The lions seized the opportunity to approach their target, and in the chaos, one calf slipped and was bitten by a male lion.
The pride of lions regrouping, surrounding the mother elephant and her calf.
The mother elephant rushed back to save her first calf. However, she had to choose between protecting her second calf or rescuing the first. She charged at the lion that was biting the first calf, leaving the other calf vulnerable to several other lions. The mother managed to return just in time to rescue her second calf and fled, leaving the pride with the first calf behind. With no other choice, she was forced to abandon it.
African lions (Panthera leo) are primarily found in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. They are the only cat species in the world that lives in prides. Female lions are the primary hunters, preying on animals such as antelope, zebras, wildebeests, and various other species. Male lions protect the territory of the entire pride.
