This was a magnanimous effort by the lioness as lionesses will usually rely on teamwork by their pride to secure a kill.
Lionesses generally prefer to hunt in groups because it increases their chances of a successful kill. This is especially with larger or more powerful prey like zebras.
However, lone lionesses do hunt zebra on their own, though it’s less common and often driven by necessity rather than preference.
Lioness brazenly approaches zebra
This lioness began her pursuit of the zebra by keeping low to the ground to avoid detection. For her, patience was key, and she waited for the zebra to stray from the safety of the herd.
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When the moment was right, she began to approach the zebra, waiting for just the right moment to pick up speed and launch a high-speed chase.
Lioness launches riveting pursuit of zebra
In realising it was a target, the zebra started to run full force. The lioness swiftly closed the gap between herself and the distressed animal.
A hunting lioness can reach speeds of up to 50 to 60km per hour in short bursts. However, she can only maintain this speed for around 100 to 200 metres because lions lack the stamina of long-distance runners like cheetahs.
During a hunt, the lioness relies less on raw speed and more on stealth and explosive acceleration.
The chase was memorable, as was the targeted leap the lioness made to latch onto the fast-moving zebra. She pounced with such precision, the zebra was left tumbling to the ground
There was a loud thud noise as the muscular bodies of the lioness and zebra hit the dusty surface. A cloud of dust showed the size of the skirmish.
The lioness wrestled with the animal for a few moments, before she seized control over the creature.
She had proved her mettle as a hunter, her skills clearly honed by years of experience.
Second lioness joins in feast
She was soon joined by a second lioness. With the zebra still alive, the lionesses used their teeth and claws to control and subdue the animal. The lionesses targeted vulnerable areas, including the throat and the muzzle. One of them used her powerful jaws to suffocate the zebra.
The moment was heartbreaking and the zebra was in clear agony. The sheer strength of the lionesses was on display. The zebra had stood no chance.
Eventually the zebra stilled and the lionesses commenced with their feast. The second lioness had had nothing to do with the hunt, however, the other lioness allowed her fellow pride member to feed beside her.
With the zebra down, feeding began quickly. Lionesses tend to focus on the softer parts, such as the underbelly first, before tearing into tougher muscle and bone.
These lionesses were relatively undisturbed at this stage. Vultures and scavengers would more than likely soon notice the scene.
However, for now it was feeding time for the lionesses and a heartrending reminder that all animals need to eat to survive.
