Six Lions Couldn’t Take Down a Buffalo, Then the Pride Male Arrives

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Although they are typically active at dawn and dusk and on cooler days, lions typically hunt at night and rest during the day. They sleep during the day under thorn bushes, frequently close to water sources. The video below shows what happens when lions hunt during the day in Masai Mara.

The footage starts with six lionesses attacking a buffalo. One of the lions has her sharp claws wrapped around the buffalo’s neck, while another is on his back, attempting to take him down to the ground. Lions suffocate their victim by squeezing their jaws around its throat or shattering its neck, depending on the situation. 

Lions frequently enter the carcass through the stomach since it is typically the simplest spot to do so. Additionally, it provides them with easy access to some of the most nourishing organs, like the liver and kidneys of their prey. After their initial meal, lions typically take a nap while still being close to their prey so they can protect it from scavengers.

Although the lionesses are working hard to take down the buffalo in this video, it isn’t enough. The buffalo is putting up quite the fight, initiating the head of the pride to step in. That’s when we see a beautiful male lion join the fight, seemingly out of nowhere. 

Taking Down Prey

A good hunt involves knocking the victim off balance, dragging it down, and then killing it with a bite to the throat or back of the neck. A kill may occasionally involve a long, gory process. Buffalo have been known to repel lion attacks for hours before giving up from exhaustion and blood loss. The biggest male lion will eat first, then the rest of the pride will follow. Lionesses will eat next, and cubs will get the leftovers.

Eventually, one of the female lions has her powerful jaw around the mouth of the buffalo and her claws dug into its neck. Meanwhile, the male lion is working on getting to the organs as the buffalo is still alive, lying on its back. Let’s just say we’re happy we’re not buffalo in the Savannah! 

The comments on the footage are pure gold. One person says, “The one holding the mouth is so courageous and a great leader.” It’s true! The lionesses lead the fight and often finish the job without the head of the pride getting involved. 

Another reads, “The lioness who has her grip on the face is really the one who should be getting all the credit. If it wasn’t for her, the buffalo would be trying to horn everyone. Male lions are awesome but the Lionesses are responsible for that meal most of the time.”

You’ll just have to see for yourself by watching the wild video below!