Watch: Lions vs. Crocodile in Fierce Clash

In Zambia’s Kafue National Park, a dramatic event unfolded on the Busanga Plains, captured by a seasoned guide of the park, Newton Mulenga.

Read to the end to watch the video!

The Unique Ecosystem of Busanga Plains

impala — Impala crossing the savannah near the Kafue River, Zambia. Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Busanga Plains, known for its swampy terrain that becomes a wildlife haven during the rainy season, is home to diverse animals, including rare antelope species like lechwe, sable, and roan. It is a place of thriving life and constant survival challenges.

The Resident Pride of Lions

The focus of this particular day was on the resident lion pride, led by two lionesses nicknamed Killing Machine and Princess. How … adorable? This pride comprises 13 members, including cubs, and dominates the plains.

The pride’s survival often hinges on hunting lechwe, but with numerous mouths to feed, they sometimes require larger prey. Newton’s footage captured a moment of desperation and ingenuity as the lions cornered an unexpected target – a massive Nile crocodile.

The Nile Crocodile: An Unlikely Prey

Stranded in a shallow swamp and far from the safety of deeper waters, the crocodile found itself in a vulnerable position. Despite its aggressive defense, the lions’ strategic prowess proved too much.

The turning point in this intense encounter was Princess’s bold move. She fearlessly leaped onto the crocodile’s back, delivering a lethal bite. The weight and force of multiple lions ultimately overwhelmed the reptile, leading to a rare and desperate victory for the pride.

Learn more about Big Cats here!

Footage

This intense video of lions catching a crocodile in Busanga Plains is more than just a rare wildlife sighting; it’s a raw depiction of survival in the animal kingdom. Lastly, it highlights the lengths to which these majestic creatures will go to ensure the survival of their pride.

Thank you for following along this article!

Next Up:

About
Latest Posts

Linnea Hansen

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Sociology

Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.

For any feedback please message Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com