The lions take turns jumping onto the backs of giraffes to attack, attempting to take down their large prey with their superior height.
Lions taking turns jumping on the giraffe’s back. (Video: Latest Sightings)
Visitor Chris Gonsalves filmed an exciting hunting expedition of the Serondela lion pride in Chobe National Park, Botswana, as reported by Latest Sightings on September 10. With many mouths to feed, this lion pride is also known for hunting large prey.
During the tour, the guide led Gonsalves and other guests in the direction where the lion pride had been spotted early in the morning. This was very exciting for them, and it didn’t take long to find the lions. However, it was odd that while some members were resting in the shade and a few cubs were playing with a log, a large giraffe stood right in their midst.
A lioness sneaks up behind a distracted giraffe and jumps onto its back.
The giraffe was likely exhausted from being chased and stood still. The lionesses, seeming to have finished their pursuit, were also tired and recognized that the giraffe could not run fast, so they decided to rest right next to it.
This calm did not last long, Gonsalves noted. As soon as they regained their strength, the predators resumed action. One lioness sneaked up behind the giraffe while it was distracted and jumped onto its back. The giraffe immediately panicked. With its remaining strength, it threw the lioness off and ran away.
However, the lion pride coordinated very well. As soon as one was thrown off, another immediately moved in. The giraffe barely managed to run a few meters before another predator jumped on its back and tried to attack its long neck. The giraffe threw the lion off again and attempted to kick its foe away.
Ultimately, after throwing off the lion for the third time, the giraffe was exhausted. Its legs began to buckle, and it could not stand firm. It collapsed to the ground as the lions quickly converged to finish off their prey and feast.
| African Lion (Panthera leo) primarily inhabits the sub-Saharan region of Africa. They are the only social cat species in the world and the second-largest in the Felidae family, second only to tigers. Adult African lions weigh between 120 – 190 kg, with a body length of 1.4 – 2 m excluding the tail. Male lions protect the territory of the pride, while females are the primary hunters. Their prey includes antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, and various other animals. |
