In a heart-stopping encounter in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, a herd of buffaloes intervened to save a young elephant calf from a pride of lions. Hospitality expert Jill Mathews captured this unexpected act of bravery.
A Tense Morning at the Klopperfontein Dam
Jill, 63, and her companions arrived at the Klopperfontein Dam early in the morning. The dam, almost dry, was a scene of various animals, including two giant bull elephants shielding a baby elephant, buffaloes, zebras, and impalas, all searching for the last traces of moisture.
Hidden in the shade of trees, a pride of lions lay in wait, camouflaged on rocks above the dam. One lioness, in particular, was alert and watchful. Sensing that the lions were planning a hunt, Jill and her group decided to leave and return later.
The Ambush
Upon their return at 17:15, the scene was tense. The lions remained in their strategic position, ready to attack. To everyone’s shock, a lone baby elephant emerged from the bushes, making it an easy target for the lions, who swiftly ambushed it.
As the baby elephant struggled, a group of buffaloes nearby heard the commotion and decided to investigate. Recognizing their eternal enemies, the buffaloes charged at the lions, driving them away individually. Seizing this opportunity, the baby elephant ran towards the two bull elephants near the dam for protection.
However, the ordeal wasn’t over. The two bull elephants didn’t shield the terrified calf, and the lions, sensing this vulnerability, attacked once more. This time, the attack was obscured from view behind a bush.
Heartfelt Emotions
Jill and her husband were emotionally overwhelmed, witnessing this raw display of nature. The bull elephants, too, seemed to express deep emotions of loss as they realized the baby elephant’s plight.
The encounter concluded with the large pride of lions, numbering between 15 and 18, overpowering the baby elephant. Jill presumes the lions succeeded in their hunt.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Sighting
Jill described the event as “extremely rare” and believes it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She advises other wildlife enthusiasts always to be prepared to capture such fast-moving events, even if they are obscured or emotionally challenging.
She also raised questions about the behavior of the elephants: Why was the baby elephant abandoned? Could it be a result of poaching? She hopes to hear from others who might have insights or witnessed this intense encounter’s aftermath.
Unraveling the Mystery
The mysterious circumstances surrounding the abandoned baby elephant in the Kruger National Park raise several pressing questions. One of the most poignant is the reason behind its abandonment.
In the wild, elephant mothers and their herds fiercely protect their young. The absence of the mother or the herd during such a critical moment is unusual. Poaching remains a significant threat in many African regions, and it’s plausible that the calf’s mother fell victim to this heinous act, leaving the young one to fend for itself.
Natural causes, diseases, or injuries could have separated the mother from her calf. As for the behavior of the two bull elephants, it’s essential to understand that while male elephants can be protective, they are not typically involved in the direct care of calves, a role primarily taken by the mothers and other female elephants in the herd.
The events following the incident, such as the fate of the baby elephant or any subsequent interactions, remain unknown.
It would be invaluable for conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts to share any further observations or insights to piece together the whole story and understand the intricate dynamics in this poignant tale from the wild.
Next up:
For any feedback please message Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
- Mom and Daughter Takes Hen and Chicks to the Store in Backpacks - April 24, 2024
- Watch: German Shepherd thinks he’s dying at the grooming salon - April 24, 2024
- Watch: Cats Meet Babies for the First Time - April 24, 2024
TDG
Wednesday 3rd of January 2024
Buffaloes have emotions just like every animal GOD created. Humans are the ones who lack emotions.
Albert Reyes
Friday 17th of November 2023
And what makes some you believe that only humans have meaningful emotions and animals are void of any understanding of the situation in front of them?! Ignorant comments from dummies!!
Cathy Fleming
Wednesday 20th of September 2023
Should have shot and killed the lions
Dan H.
Monday 13th of November 2023
@Cathy Fleming, Lions have to eat too.
Arturo
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
Please happy ending stories only. Those bull elephants were from NYC . Where crimes happens on a daily , and no one gets involved. Including the police.
Samir captan
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
After watching your video and your analysis on the event on the poor orphaned elephant baby, I had a heart felt emotions.
Even the buffaloes had a heart felt sympathy for the baby elephant and came to baby elephant rescue.
Unfortunately the baby elephant ran to its kind the bulls, but was not accepted and was kick out.
That compared the lions to come back to attack the elephant.
My question is that why Jill and her team did not shoot in the air to scare the lions off the baby elephant to save it?
If they did; they could have called the security or who ever is in charge of animals orphanage to rescue the poor animal, but you guys were able to film the whole incident to last.
My second question is you guys and the poaches who has human feelings?
To me you all are the same.
Sandy
Wednesday 1st of November 2023
@Samir captan, agree.