Lioness Chase, Ruaha National Park

Blog Photo Real Mehedi Free Framer Template Photography

Two Lionesses with small cubs and a kill successfully defend them both against a young male Lion of another pride.

It was a scorching afternoon – the kind when even the slightest movement feels like an effort, and they say lions are usually at their most inactive during this time, resting in the shade to escape the heat. But contrary to expectations, this particular afternoon turned out to be far more thrilling and unforgettable than anything I had ever experienced before. What began as a seemingly quiet moment under the blazing sun quickly transformed into a scene of raw power and wild beauty that left me completely awestruck.

I came across this lioness that was dragging its kill of a wildebeest calf down to the shade. I followed her, keeping my distance from her. She dragged it to a palm bush where she was joined by another lioness and four really tiny cubs. It was a fantastic experience, as I had never before seen such tiny cubs. The lioness were looking exhausted after making the kill in such heat and were seemingly relaxing, taking a nap and playing with the cubs.

I watched in amazement for an hour when I suddenly saw the demeanor of the lionesses changing into what was causing them extreme anxiety and anger. They started growling and I turned to see what was causing this reaction. To my horror, I saw a young male Lion cautiously approaching the duo. My worst fears rushed through my mind – all the stories of how males of other prides would kill the young to mate with the females.

The Lionesses turned into raging furious beasts from the apparently calm and beautiful moms that I had been witnessing for the past hour. Their anger and defenses were shooting through the roof as they attacked the male with all their might. The cubs had long disappeared into the thick bushes. The male had no chance against the strong and powerful mothers, who managed to chase him away till far. The male ran for his life.