When we think of hunting lions, we typically think of them going after large prey, like buffalo, giraffe, or zebra. And while that is not inaccurate, large prey species are not always easily found.
At such times, even the mighty lion has to make do with whatever it can find. And, it was just such an incident that was recorded in this video.
Singular focus
As the video begins, we see a mature lioness in stalking mode. With her head held low, she is singularly focused on her target.
Although the terrain offers no cover, she holds her body low to the ground, hoping to catch her quarry unaware.
Avoiding detection
Carefully placing her hind paws exactly where she has just lifted her front paws, she seeks to further minimize the chance of detection.
Typically, when lions hunt, they will attempt to stalk as close as possible to their target. Then, when they feel they are within range, they’ll launch themselves, hoping to catch their prey before it has time to react.
Attack launched
Just as the lioness is about to pass in front of the game drive vehicle, she launches her attack. Lions can accelerate from a standing start to a top speed of 80 km/h in a matter of seconds
She has barely passed the front of the vehicle, and she is already in full stride. Surely she will be on top of her prey at any moment.
Run rabbit run
In the fading light, it isn’t easy to make out what she is chasing. Only a few tiny puffs of dust left in the wake of a fleeing scrub hare give the game away.
While we don’t see just when the hare spotted its enemy, it is clear that it is not about to wait around. Running for its life, it too is up to top speed in a matter of seconds.
However, with a top speed of 70 km/h, it seems the hare is at a disadvantage. Who will win in this race for survival?
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Evasive tactic deployed
As the pair streak across the clearing, we see the hare deploy a strategy that will spell the difference between life and death.
In this case, being smaller and lighter than its enemy has an advantage. Its size means it is more manoeuvrable than the lion.
A jinking path
Accordingly, the frightened scrub hare runs a zig-zag path, jinking left and right at top speed. This makes it difficult for the pursuing lioness to anticipate its path.
This tactic gains the hare valuable seconds in its flight for freedom. As for the lioness, she struggles to gain on her would-be snack.
If anything, she begins to realise that this is a race she will not win. For predators, energy conservation is all-important, especially when their reserves are already on the wane.
And so, as the video draws to an end, we see the lioness gradually slowing down. Meanwhile, the hare is taking no chances and continues to sprint its jinking path across the floodplain.
The video is an interesting illustration of how strong the pursuit imperative is in predators, even when the rewards are meager.
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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