Daniel Kravat caught this big cat encounter in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, as a lion closed its snare around a coalition of cheetahs that had come too close.
He told Latest Sightings that a lion had spotted three cheetahs while they were having a drink, and they spotted the same lion chasing these cheetahs on several separate occasions.
Lying In Wait
The first chase appeared to begin after one of the cheetahs spotted the lion keeping a close eye on them. The smaller cat moved towards the lion, which had found a good spot in the tall grass to crouch down and hide.
Even though only the head of the lion was visible, the size difference between these two cats was evident. The cheetah didn’t seem concerned though as it slowly moved closer and closer to the bigger predator.
Suddenly, the lion sprung the trap, leaping from its concealed position to give chase. The cheetah had been standing looking right at the lion’s head poking out from the grass, so perhaps the lion understood that whatever cover it had had was blown.
Time For A Race
Regardless of why the lion chose to spring the trap at that exact point, it was too early. The cheetah had plenty of time to see it coming, and it even turned mockingly slowly before it began to run away.
Lion’s are ambush predators, capable of incredible bursts of speed to capture prey before they can react, but once this cheetah had turned, this attack stopped being an ambush and became a race.
The cheetah might have taken its time turning to run, but once it began the difference in speed between these two animals immediately became clear. The cheetah had been able to afford the time, as now it was leaving the lion behind in the dust.
Let’s Try That Again
In the footage of the lion’s second attempt, the cheetahs seem similarly unconcerned with its presence, and were slowly edging closer to it. It’s possible that the lion was encroaching into their territory, and the cheetahs were trying to intimidate it into leaving.
Lions are larger and stronger than cheetahs, so if it managed to catch one of them it wouldn’t end well for the latter, but neither could they afford to let a rival predator roam freely in their hunting grounds.
When the lion gave chase the cheetahs scattered once again, leaving the lion to watch them disappearing into distance.
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Third Time’s The Charm
On one occasion, the lion ran up close to the vehicle Daniel was filming from. The cheetahs were behind it, so the lion was potentially trying to use the vehicle as a bit of cover to help it get closer before it started the charge.
The lion was clearly very interested in capturing one of the cheetahs, but once again it was doomed to failure as they saw it coming and ran before it. At least the lion was putting in a good effort, even if it wasn’t coming close to capturing one of its targets.
This was an amazing sighting which really captured the difference in ability between two big cats, and it’s not one which Daniel would forget any time soon.
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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