The ambitious lioness went after the large rhino bull, and managed to put up an impressive chase.
The dramatic but ultimately one-sided encounter caught the attention of game viewer Brendan Vorster in the Lapalala Wilderness, who filmed the entire scintillating chase.
It was the lioness’ bravery which was most impressive. She was alone in her pursuit of the rhino but had the courage of an entire pride.
Brendan told latest sightings she had been in a very playful mood that particular morning, stalking and playing with her brother and mother up until the rhino bull came strolling down the road.
The makings of a warrior
On seeing the rhino, she sprinted after the mammoth animal, which evaded her onslaught with surprising speed.
More than likely she wasn’t interested in taking down the large rhino. Usually when lions do run after rhinos it is out of curiosity or opportunism, or to test their reaction.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
A healthy adult rhino is simply too powerful to be real prey. Rhino bulls can weigh well over two tonnes, have thick skin and formidable horns, and can reach speeds of around 50 km/h over short distances. This is more than enough to outpace or intimidate a lone lioness.
An impressive display of speed and power
One had to take one’s hat off to the lioness, who in spite of the threat of the rhino’s size and imposing horn, chased after the rhino anyway.
The high-speed chase continues
A tranquil setting of open grassland provided the backdrop for the action, and the open stretch of savanna allowed the lioness to pursue the rhino at an impressive speed.
Rhino and lion ran across the bushveld in full view of the game viewers.
Both species are members of the Big 5, along with the elephant, leopard and buffalo. This is for a good reason. Their power and majestic presence commands respect.
At one point it appeared that the lioness was closing in on the rhino and might actually make contact with the creature. She came close to the rhino’s hindquartres, however, this only made the animal charge away even faster.
The rhino bull picked up pace and the chase continued for a distance before the lioness eventually gave up.
The lioness had more than likely not intended on a kill, however, she had proved her mettle as ‘brave’, and won the respect of the motorists.
In situations such as these, the chase is often brief. Once the rhino stands its ground, turns to face the threat, or breaks into a determined run, the lioness almost always disengages.
Lions generally only target rhinos when they are very young, injured, or in rare cases when a coordinated pride takes advantage of unusual circumstances. For a solitary lioness, the risk of serious injury is far too high.
Memorable chase comes to an end
Both rhino and lion are rare to see in the bushveld, and in this extraordinary sighting both species interacted in a memorable way.
This lioness put in a determined effort, however, it appeared the rhino was more inconvenienced than anything else. The bull charged away without so much as a scratch.
The two magnificent animals soon disappeared from view, however, Brendan managed to film all of the action so that the moment could be shared with others.
