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Lion Hunt (16 Jan 09)

The morning was cool with a relaxed atmosphere on the vehicle while we had our eyes wide open for the giants of the bush, elephants. The sun was low, letting its rays touch the sparkling dew drops on the long green grass. I decided to head towards Mankwe Dam, to see if maybe, just maybe the elephants were there to put on a bathing show for my guests. As we approached the Eastern Hippo Loop on the edge of Mankwe Dam my eye caught sight of the two young central pride male lions on the dam wall. For some or other reason I felt that there was something going on with the two young lions, even though they seemed to be relaxed, they were scanning for something. The brothers seemed to be speaking the same silent language as they stood together and started heading towards Lower Letsha. I decided to follow the brothers and little did we know what was in store for us. Driving behind the brothers we noticed some wildebeest up ahead on the muddy road. There was a sense of calm among the wildebeest, babies were awkwardly playing among their elders, and they had no idea that there was danger only 50 meters away. The one brother drifted away into the tawny coloured grass towards cover. He is scanning, he is tense, he sees food. He is stealthily moving closer and closer towards the unsuspecting wildebeest. The brother is now crouched down low on the muddy road, and in seconds he was in the middle of the brown blur of rushed fear. His yellow eyes are fixed on a young calf calling for her mother among the mass confusion. The call ended with an abrupt slap of the lions' powerful paw. The brother walked proudly with his small kill in his giant, deadly jaws for cover. The excitement on the vehicle was electric after witnessing such a dramatic event. Just another day in the Pilanesberg National Park. (Pictures courtesy of Guests)

Game Ranger
Paul Van Staden
Ivory Tree Game Lodge

BLOG COMMENTS (1)

What an exciting real life drama! The story takes you to the place, rivets you in the moment, and the scene plays out like a slow motion movie. This is so exceptionally well written it makes you want to experience something like this at least once in your own lifetime! Kudos to the author! Five stars!! Love it!