Wildlife enthusiast and traveler Dayne Pattinson was capturing an amazing experience on camera while on a game drive in Kruger National Park when he witnessed the dramatic struggle of a zebra and a lion. Initially, from afar, it looked like a zebra dust-bathing, but it turned out to be a fierce fight.
The incident occurred near Satara Camp, which is a place where grazing animals like zebras and wildebeests are often attracted. With the abundance of prey comes predators, which Pattinson hadn’t thought of then. He first thought it was two zebras, but as the safari vehicle drew closer, it became apparent that it was a fight to the death.
Stunning Photos Capture Zebra Standing Over Lion
Stunning Photos Capture Zebra Standing Over Lion
Stunning Photos Capture Zebra Standing Over Lion
In this bizarre meet, the lion had lost precedence to the zebra. A lion normally roams in tiring and finally overpowering prey. This attack was solitary instead of group or pack hunting for lions. Here, Pattinson’s photographs do capture the position where the zebra stood at the top position with the muzzled prey inside its jaw.According to Steve Bebington of Latest Sightings, “A few splashes of blood can be seen on the zebra’s side. Presumably, the zebra has a nasty wound where it was bitten on the muzzle. But, aside from these, although in some pain, it is essentially unharmed.”
What is impressive about this tussle is that the zebra stood up, giving it a better advantage than the lion, which was lying on its back. Bebington continues, “And the zebra is standing on all fours. This gives it a better advantage than the lion lying on its back.” It is likely that the dominant position of the zebra forced the lioness to loosen its grip on the zebra, perhaps as a result of a powerful kick from the zebra. On the other hand, the lion might have loosened its grip in the process of trying to secure a better hold.
This dramatic interaction underscores how wildlife encounters are always unpredictable because the roles might get reversed at unexpected moments.
