Watch a Massive Gathering of Lions Stop at the Same Location to Drink

As a photographer, coming across one lion would be amazing to see by the river, but multiply that number by 20, and it’s just nothing short of amazing. This photographer was quick to take his video camera out and film this. 

The video below was filmed at the Sand River (more commonly referred to as the Manyeleti River) in South Africa.  At the beginning of the footage, we see a lone lion drinking from the river. Off to the side, we see one, two, three, four, then five, and the number keeps growing as each lion comes down for a drink of water. 

Check out the Amazing Video Posted Below!

They all line up in an orderly fashion next to one another. This provides them the security of being next to each other and not going in the waters for fear of dangers that might lurk beneath them, such as the Nile crocodile that frequents the rivers of Africa. 

By the end of this video, we see this massive gathering of 20 lions that have stopped to drink from this river together. 

How Many Animals Are in Africa?

The Earth is filled with wonders that never cease to amaze us. One of the most amazing aspects of Earth is the animals that inhabit it. It is estimated that there are 6.5 million land species and 2.2 million species in the ocean. This makes up a total of 8.7 million species in the world that we know of. 

Within these species, there are thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of animals. The total amount would be so staggering that it is impossible to determine how many animals exist worldwide. 

However, there are estimated to be over 106,760 animal species that reside in Africa alone. These species include mammals, carnivores, insects, fish, and birds.

Other Animals You Might Find Along the Sand River

The Sand River, located in South Africa, is approximately 31 miles long and joins the Sabie River, which is 400 miles long. This river is home to many animals that will come for hydration, as we saw in the video below. 

Along the Sand River in South Africa, we might see animals such as rhinoceros, wildebeest, African buffalo, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and lions, to name just a few. These dominant animals make up the beauty that Africa is. 

Is it Normal for Lions to Drink Together?

Your first thought after seeing so many lions drinking water at once may be to wonder how much water do they need? Actually, lions can go up to four days without water and usually get liquids from prey – but they can drink a gallon of water a day. Why drink from the river at the same time? They’re a pride – they live as one!

Lions are the only cats who live in big groups. These groups, called prides, consist of 2 – 40 lions, made up of around 4 males and a dozen or so lionesses and their young. Females form the core of the group and tend to remain in the same pride throughout their lives. The lionesses are usually related and form a strong bond. They grow up together, hunt as a team and even give birth around the same time. The strategic teamwork displayed by prides of lions hunting together is rare in nature and their strength in numbers enables them to bring down massive prey to feed a large pride.

So, is it normal for a large group of lions to drink from a river at the same time? Yes, absolutely – maybe they were thirsty after a successful hunt and took the opportunity to lap up a leisurely gallon while they could!