The five male lions coalition (Notch & sons) killed a Hippo near Rekero last night. I found them this morning feeding ont he hippo, thouhg Notch himself had already eaten and was sleeping in teh shade about a hundred metres fro teh carcass.
As the morning sun started getting hot, the lions left the carcass one by one untill only one was left and this one decided to guard the carcass from teh Hyaenas that were waiting around.
While watching this, some four Buffalo bulls came towards the carcass. Tehy soon picked teh scent of the lions and they started charing at two males that were sleeping in the bush, driving them away from the vicinity of the carcass, although Notch was spared since he was a bit further. The Buffaloes left breifely before coming back and started chasing the lions again around. This time they went upto the carcass and drove away the one that was watching over it, and drove them away including Notch.
After this drama which lasted half of the morning, the Buffaloes gave up and left the lions to continue with feast. This is the fourth Hippo we have seen recently killed by the five. It seems they are now tunring to the Hippos since there is not much else to hunt.
The Buffaloes turned up at the carcass and the lion which was watching over had to flee for dear life
The Buffaloes briefly went to investigate the carcass
Then they decided to drive the lions completely out of the vicinity
It was inetersting to see the big males which brought down the Hippo were running away from the Buffaloes. i could not take picture of all the actions, as i also had to put my camera away and observe the drama.
5 comments:
Thank you Paul interesting action from The Mara.
It would be so cool to see some video footage of this interaction. I guess the big fellas kept hyenas at bay the whole time and they did not get anything
Wow, that must have been fascinating to witness. I do feel sort of sorry for the hippo's as to die the way they do when lions eat them is not a good way to go. But lions have to eat so I admire their tenacity.
Great pics.
I am sooo jealous!
Thanks, Paul, for the update. I will be in the Mara in a few weeks with Elly, hoping to see some drama for myself.
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