An old and blind lioness was fortunate to survive what could have been a deadly encounter with her arch-enemies.
As submitted by Steyn Jacobsohn on Latest Sightings, the encounter took place on the S25 in the Kruger National Park.
Picture: iStock / Dennis Stogdlll
As the blind lioness lifted her head, hyenas suddenly came down the road. They initially appeared unaware of her nearby presence.
As for the lioness, she too seemed oblivious (or perhaps too weak) despite turning her head in their direction.
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However, they soon picked up her scent shortly after passing behind her. Thereafter, they approached with caution even though they outnumbered the lioness.
Hearing their movement in the grass, the lioness turned her head towards their rustling but didn’t react.
Approaching closer, the hyenas appeared agitated but strangely did not whoop. If anything, they appeared extremely confused and presumably expected a more aggressive response from the lioness who only growled softly.
The apparent display of calm between the two species of apex predators is what makes this sighting so unusual. Ordinarily, lone individuals (especially those with any form of injury or frailness) are set upon with very little hesitation.
Watch the video to see how it all unfolds, courtesy of Latest Sightings.
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