Powerful predators can often make the act of hunting prey and consuming a meal a true spectacle for lucky safari-goers to witness. In these moments, these animals show why they exist at the apex of their environments.
This hungry crocodile was caught on film by Jess van Putten at the Gardenia bird hide in the Kruger National Park, feeding by using its famous death roll, and flinging its prey through the air as if it weighed nothing at all.
This crocodile was not subtle about showing off its immense strength as it began shredding its prey down to the bone to make it easier to consume.
Ominously Below The Water
Jess’s footage begins with the ridged back of the crocodile emerging just slightly above the line of the water. This shot is ominous as the water was concealing the rest of the body below the water and its true size wasn’t clear.
Slowly, the large crocodile sank beneath the surface of the water to continue its activity. It wasn’t immediately clear what, but it was about to become very obvious.
Trouble Beneath The Surface
Once the crocodile had sunk out of sight, the water was calm for the briefest moment before it erupted into a sudden series of large splashes, and this time it was the head of the large predator which emerged from the depths to hover just above the surface.
There was something else which floated up from the bottom of the water, and for a long time it wasn’t clear what. It was definitely a carcass of some kind, but half submerged it was difficult to make it out clearly.
The initial splashing was presumably the crocodile performing a death roll on the carcass, trying to tear the meat apart into smaller chunks that would be easier to swallow. But there were other ways to devour its prey.
Making The Most Of A Meal
Jess figured out that the croc’s prey was an impala ewe, likely a young animal that had gotten close to the water to take a drink, only for the crocodile to surge out of the depths with terrifying speed and seize it by the neck or leg.
Apparently frustrated by the lack of the death roll’s efficacy, the crocodile glared at the carcass for a short moment before deciding to implement these other tactics.
Using its powerful tail and legs to launch itself and the carcass from the water, the crocodile swung the impala around as though it was weightless and whipped it in a circle, tearing off a nice chunk of meat in the process.
This moment was a display of pure power as it threw the impala, the same power that it would have used to capture it in the first place as it showed how strongly it could have surged from the water.
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An Ancient Predator
Crocodiles are incredibly old animals that have earned their place at the top of the food chain through millions of years. Coming too close to crocodile infested waters can be a death sentence for young animals that don’t understand the dangers.
Older animals would be just as vulnerable to the crocodile’s attack methods, but once captured, the crocodile must feed. This amazing footage from Jess van Putten makes it clear that crocodiles have the strength not only to capture and kill their prey, but to tear them apart.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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