Three lionesses pounced on a crocodile after the reptile tried to attack one of the pride’s cubs. The protective females instinctively leapt into action to fend off the aggressive predator. The action took place in Botswana’s Okavango Delta at Duba Plains.
Pictures: Tony Goldman: Solent
With military precision, the lionesses surrounded the croc and launched a ferocious volley of blows.
The extraordinary encounter was captured on camera by touring cardiologist Tony Goldman, while on a safari trip to Duba Plains with his son.
Goldman said: “The lionesses had just killed a buffalo and suddenly a crocodile ventured about 100 yards out of the water towards them. One of the smaller cubs was in the path of the crocodile and it started to advance towards the cub in a menacing fashion before trying to attack it.
Eruption
“This resulted in an eruption from the three nearby lionesses who went for the croc in an organised fashion.”
Goldman said the whole event lasted about 15 minutes.
The croc bit one of the lions but was outgunned and perished in the ensuing battle.
A father of two, Goldman, from Benoni, added: “On my subsequent safaris I’ve mentioned this experience to rangers with more than 20 years in the bush and no one has ever seen lions take down a crocodile.
“It is most certainly a very rare wildlife occurrence that we were lucky enough to see and photograph.”