Unfortunately, at the time of writing, we have no information detailing where this incident took place or who filmed it.
Drinking is dangerous
Water is essential to life. However, in the wildlands of Africa, a simple visit to a waterhole for a drink can be fraught with danger.
Realising that their prey will have to drink at some point, predators often wait nearby, hoping to ambush their next victim.
And, it is just such a scenario that is about to unfold as this video begins.
A lioness is seen stalking across open terrain. To begin with, we don’t know what she is after.
However, seconds later, an nyala bull bursts onto the scene. It would appear that it is aware of the lion’s presence and is attempting to flee to the thick bush nearby
Escape route blocked
The lioness, sensing that it might lose its prey in the trees, manages to turn the antelope, forcing it to run back towards the water.
This works out in the nyala’s favour, for as it runs into the water, the lion ends her pursuit. Like most cats, lions are reluctant to enter water.
Out of the frying pan…
However, in its haste to escape the lion, the antelope has unwittingly put itself in an equally perilous situation. As is the case with most waterholes, this one is inhabited by several large crocodiles.
As the ram stands in the shallows, we can see a couple of crocs lying on the bank of the waterhole.
Ever the opportunists, it doesn’t take the crocodiles long to react. One by one, they slide into the dirty water, intent on securing this unexpected opportunity for a meal.
As the tension builds, we sense the crocodile will soon drag the nyala beneath the surface.
Between a rock and a hard place
This is really not the antelope’s day. On the bank, the lioness has lain down, content to wait for the nyala to leave the water.
Meanwhile, in the water, we presume the crocs are closing in.
Near miss
Inevitably, it happens. Suddenly, the water erupts right next to the ram. Miraculously, though, the crocodile narrowly misses the antelope.
Unsurprisingly, the ram reacts immediately. Dodging the crocodile, it sets off for dry land. There is only one problem. The lioness has been watching, and sensing another opportunity, she rises to intercept the hapless antelope.
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I dare you!
But the ram has seen the lioness. Consequently, as it exits the water, it lowers its head, as if daring the lion to come closer. It’s almost as if the nyala has had enough and decided to fight back.
Amazingly, the antelope’s bluff works. Weary of being impaled by the ram’s sharp horns, the lioness stops short, leading to a stand-off.
The lion moves from side to side, but the ram follows its movement, preventing the predator from attacking its vulnerable hindquarters.
He who hesitates is lost
Incredibly, the ram, sensing the lion’s hesitation, decides to press home its slim advantage and charges the lioness. Anxious to avoid injury, the lioness retreats.
The ram closely watches the lion and repeatedly foils its attempts to outflank it.
As the video draws to an end, we see an incredible sight. The lioness has given up and saunters down the road. This, to the relief of both the antelope and the stunned onlookers.
