Watch This Daring Lion’s Attempt to Bring Down a Towering Giraffe

Continue reading for our analysis...

Even the king of the jungle has his fair share of difficulties. He learned that climbing a ladder isn’t always easy, especially when it’s giraffe-sized. The scene begins with a lioness spotting a giraffe off in the distance. However, the large-hoofed mammal — known for its vigilance — notices her plan.

As the video unfolds, the giraffe begins to run as a male lion pursues it. The male eventually closes the distance on the towering animal, launching an attack on its legs. The lion’s powerful jaws are often enough to get the job done on most animals, but the giraffe’s legs are strong and durable. Pulling with all its might, the apex predator comically hangs on for dear life. Unfortunately for him, he cannot bring the beast down by himself. A job like this would require multiple lions. The giraffe stomps with its front legs and kicks its hind leg back and forth to loose it from the big cat’s jaws and escape. Once freed, it launches a final attack on the lion, who scurries off to safety. He may have realized he was in a bit of a mismatch.

It’s not common to see a fearsome lion struggle to capture its prey, so it may make you wonder how strong giraffes are. Continue reading to learn about this giant mammal’s natural defenses against predators.

How Do Giraffes Typically Defend Themselves?

One of the primary lines of defense for a giraffe is its incomparable height. These titans can stand up to an unbelievable 20 feet tall. Fun fact: their tongues can grow up to 18 feet and are also a bluish-purple color. Their height and elongated necks remove competition from other herbivores, allowing them to reach high when grazing trees for leaves and fruit. The Acacia tree comprises much of their diet. Additionally, giraffes use their long, muscular necks during combat against rival males. The winner of these showdowns gains the rights to a territory, which includes mating rights for females in a given area.

Another standout feature is the giraffe’s weight. Don’t let its sleek physique fool you — this giant can weigh between 1,200 and 4,200 pounds! As we noticed in the video, giraffes are incredibly dense. They possess powerful legs, which they use to kick predators like lions, their primary threat. In addition, giraffes are quick despite their size. They can run up to an impressive 30 miles per hour. With speed, height, and power on their side, it takes an army of predators to take down a giraffe in most scenarios.