Warning: images may be disturbing to some readers.
We’ve just had word from Madikwe Game Reserve of the first recorded elephant kill by lions in their reserve. (This awesome game lodge was also the site of this “Warthog versus Lion” photoblog.) Zoe and Paddy Probert, guests at Jaci’s Lodges, arrived on the scene with their ranger when the lions had already brought the elephant to his knees. Apparently, although it looks like a calf, one of the rangers estimated the elephant to be 9-10 years old already, based on the size of his tusks.
According to guests on a vehicle who had arrived earlier, the elephant was making its way down to a waterhole when the lions attacked. Although there were other elephants around, it didn’t seem that this young male was part of their group.
Paddy Probert said that although it wasn’t easy to watch, “this is Africa” and it’s the natural order. Lions have to eat too. Unfortunately, both of these iconic species are on the decline: read about how the ivory trade is making a killing, or how human-wildlife conflict impacts lions.
All photos by Paddy and Zoe Probert
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