Lioness Shows Her Strength And Drags a 1000-LB Buffalo Out of Water

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Written by Zeek Lepakko

Published: November 3, 2023

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Sitting lioness face forward and looking off to the side
© Yogiee/Shutterstock.com

There are few huntresses in the African wilds quite like the lioness. With the task of feeding her entire pride at stake, her skills are constantly being put to the test. In the video below, we first see a female lion plotting how to move her giant Cape buffalo prize out of a waterhole. In the background, there’s what’s likely a group of other buffaloes and zebras moving on from the lion’s hunting grounds. Not to be distracted, the adamant lioness gradually pulls the massive carcass from the depths. Then, she takes a well-deserved moment of rest after accomplishing such a feat. Scroll further to see this brawny cat flex some huge muscles!

How Strong Are Lions?

Portrait of maneless lion of Tsavo National Park, Kenya

Genetic variations are thought to cause some male lions to not develop a mane.

©Steffen Foerster/Shutterstock.com

Although they’re not the strongest big cats around, lions tout a formidable arsenal. With a bite force of nearly 650 psi, it’s no wonder why these felines are considered the rulers of the savanna. Even estimates like that can get contested, as many lions grow into full adults and exert chomps with closer to 1,000 psi.

Given the differences between male and female lions, males are usually found to have more powerful jaws. That’s not to say that lionesses have the short stick, though, as they are nearly always in charge of hunting. However, the king’s lethal bite is normally reserved for battling rivals, and occasionally taking down massive prey.

Another factor to note about these master hunters is the fashion in which they use their power. While they have the intensity to take down elephants, lions have to use their strength in short bursts. As ambush predators, they simply don’t have the endurance to maintain a chase or battle for extended periods.

Are Lions the Animals With the Most Muscles?

Female lion, or lioness, in the Kalahari desert

Although physically impressive, lions have notably small hearts and lungs.

©Johan Swanepoel/Shutterstock.com

In a roundabout way, yes! However, the kind of muscle in question needs to be clarified. Studies have shown that the skeletal muscle mass of lions accounts for almost 60% of their entire weight. That kind of ripped physique gives them the boasting rights of being the mammal with the most muscles dedicated to movement.

Now, if we’re talking about pure muscle found in the body, that acclaim goes elsewhere in the animal kingdom. The way that jacked animals use their power, whether it’s in lifting strength or bite force, varies the results as well. Please feel free to check out our article on the true powerhouses of nature for a breakdown!


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About the Author

Zeek is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering wildlife in Africa and international travel. Zeek has been studying animals for over 15 years and holds an Associate's Degree in Arts from Lone Star Montgomery, earned in 2011. A resident of Washington, Zeek enjoys designing video games and training his Shiba Inu, Cheems.

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