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Archive 2016 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Don Clary
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Taken in South Africa, in Sabi Sands private reserve:

I'm presenting below a photographic record of a massed lion attack on a buffalo herd. The action was so fast, the brush so thick, there were so many lions, that it is difficult to follow the action with the eye, much less with a camera!

The general story line is:

We saw a cape buffalo herd. Then we saw lions approaching from all directions. The lions walked slowly at first, and then the pace stiffened (almost an electric tension), as it was clear that an attack was about to begin.

Apr 04, 2016 at 07:55 PM

Don Clary
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

A lone lioness approached a buffalo calf. The lioness seemed to hesitate, right next to the calf, when it would not run. I'm guessing the calf was less than a week old, and had no idea of what a lion was! The lioness suddenly grabbed the calf.

Apr 04, 2016 at 07:57 PM

Don Clary
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Meanwhile, other lions came in from all sides, to attack the buffalo herd. Some of the action shots were part of a burst, with 3 pictures taken within a half second.

Apr 04, 2016 at 07:59 PM

Don Clary
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Lions hunt collectively, but do not share the kill. They try to keep the prey for themselves. The lone lioness held the calf in her clamped jaws for perhaps 10 minutes, without trying to kill or suffocate the calf. The calf bleated and moaned pitifully the entire time. The lioness could have killed the calf quickly, if she wanted to.

Apr 04, 2016 at 08:00 PM

Don Clary
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

The next burst shows 4 lionesses trying to get the calf away from the lone lioness. She ran into deep brush with the calf, away from the 4 lions, and away from reach of my camera, so I did not get more pictures. It began to be become clear to me, that the lone lioness was using the calf's noise and cries to draw in the buffalo herd, to come to protect the calf. Then all lions would surround and attack the adults. Our guide said he had never seen this behavior before!

Apr 04, 2016 at 08:02 PM

MikeyV
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

I assume you were safe enough, though it sure looks like you are in the heat of the action! This is almost like something a war correspondent would do. Kudos to you on what is probably the set of a lifetime. This is an adrenaline pumping series for sure and something that would surely be on my bucket list. Congratulations. They are wonderful.

Apr 04, 2016 at 08:48 PM

LuckyStrike
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Holy Moses, Don!!! ... Unreal, once in a lifetime event... You were there and got great images!

WOW

LuckyT

Apr 04, 2016 at 09:44 PM

vkendall
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Wonderful series. I know you are happy with these. I just love Africa.

Vella

Apr 04, 2016 at 09:46 PM

KCollett
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Incredible behavioural images. Great work Don, especially given all the brush that was breaking up the action for you.

Apr 04, 2016 at 10:08 PM

surfnron
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

This is a great action set Don - very well done ~ Ron

Apr 04, 2016 at 10:21 PM

DonGut
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Great story and well documented. There is always something new happening in the bush!!
Don

Apr 04, 2016 at 11:03 PM

louie champan
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

What a super series, nicely captured and great story.

Apr 04, 2016 at 11:14 PM

birdied
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

What a series ! Well done and documented.

Birdie

Apr 04, 2016 at 11:59 PM

kmunroe
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

great action set Don

Apr 05, 2016 at 02:58 AM

eyelaser
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Very interesting and I've heard of lions "baiting" adults that way...sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for as those big bulls are very ornery and extremely dangerous. Would have been great to see and feel this in person....lucky you!
Eric

Apr 05, 2016 at 06:50 AM

Don Clary
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

I thank everyone for their favorable comments. On the subject of personal safety:

Vehicles in southern Africa are Land Rovers (open jeep-like vehicles with no side doors or windows). Tourists are cautioned not to stand up. Lions and leopards may then view you as changing from part of a large object to being a very tasty meal!

In South Africa there are guides (which double as drivers), plus a tracker who is normally positioned in an open unprotected seat mounted directly over the front bumper. From this position he can view the tracks in the sand in front of the vehicle, and can determine what animals have passed by, what direction and when. The tracker normally moves from this dangerous position, back to the relative safety of the seat next to the driver, as they approach dangerous game such as lions and leopards.

But one time on this trip, our tracker was in the open front bumper position, when a large male leopard passed within 3 feet of him. The leopard looked directly at him, but kept walking by. I was holding my breath, hoping that our tracker was safe!

Apr 05, 2016 at 05:26 PM

morris
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Well documented, that calf probably did not hold them that long so they would be back.

Morris

Apr 05, 2016 at 07:24 PM

IndyFab
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

That's something you'll never forget, neither will I, thanks for sharing this documentary in which you lived to tell....

Apr 05, 2016 at 11:22 PM

skseet
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

OMG! This a treat to watch. Every wildlife photographer would dream to capture this moment.

Apr 06, 2016 at 12:08 AM

Helkat22
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Massed lion attack on cape buffalo herd

Wow! That must have been amazing to see in person! Thanks for sharing.

Apr 06, 2016 at 07:47 AM

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