Ever since lions evolved to become the only social big cat, they have been able to tackle large prey. In response to this, buffalo have earned themselves a deserved reputation as a formidable adversary.
When buffalo form herds, the lions’ chances of hunting success diminish, leading them to target smaller groups. However, all too often this means that they have to deal with belligerent old males, commonly referred to as ‘dagga (mud) boys’.
A bull in a thicket
And, it is just such a scenario that we are presented with in this tense video. As it begins, we see what appears to be a lone bull standing in an acacia thicket.
It is only when we look a bit closer that we notice a lion in the shade to the left of the scene. Given their proximity, drama is inevitable.
Marshalling the troops
Suddenly, another lion walks past the camera, come to join his pride. As it does, it ratchets the tension… the troops are gathering for what could be an epic battle.
Still, the big bull stands his ground. Realising that flight now would elicit pursuit, he conserves his energy to see what unfolds.
Advance!
Once mustered, the pride rises to meet its foe. Heads held low in threat, they stalk forward.
However, it is only now that we realise that a second bull is present. It had been hidden from view in the dense shade of the thicket.
Spooked!
No sooner has the pride advanced a few steps than the second bull loses its nerve and turns to flee. This, in turn spooks the lions, causing them to scatter in all directions
This says a lot about the mutual respect of the species. Having said that, the lions visible do look young, suggesting inexperience.
New strategy
Next, the lions devise a new strategy. Subsequently, we see a couple of them skirt around the buffalo, hoping to outflank them.
In the background, we can see that the bull did not go far, preferring to keep his foe in sight, than lose them in the thicket.
If at first you don’t succeed…
Once in position, the lions advance again, this time from two directions. To avoid injuries, lions use teamwork to outwit and tire larger prey.
As they head into the shadows to do battle, it seems a battle royale is in the offing. Unfortunately, though, we can’t see what happens next in the dense thicket.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Bust-up in the bush
But, we can picture it as lion snarls and buffalo bellows shatter the quiet bushveld scene.
Then, as lions are seen running out of the thicket, it quickly becomes obvious who won this round. So far, the buffalo have taken the first two rounds without the lions landing a blow.
Try, try, and try again
That is not to say that the predators are either bowed or broken. Realising that they are still in the fight, the lions turn.
Once again, they stalk into the shadows…
As they do, more arrive to bolster their cause. Will it be a case of third time lucky?
Unfortunately, we never find out. As the video comes to an end, both the lions and buffalo disappear from view, with only the vague sound of snarling lions suggesting that the battle is ongoing.
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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