Hayley Myburgh submitted her footage and account of the incident to Latest Sightings. She filmed it on the S25 while out on safari with her guests.
Hayley recalls that she was en route to view a lion sighting when she paused to view a leopard. The leopard had a female impala catch which it hoisted into a tall tree.
After spending a short amount of time, a young male arrived at the location. As soon as it became evident, the lion had picked up a scent, but was it smelling a meal or a bitter rival predator?
Whichever it was, the lion couldn’t locate the source at first, so it spent a good while sniffing around…
While trying to locate the source of the tantalising aroma, the lion came within a few metres of the safari vehicles.
Soon enough, the lion pinpointed what was causing the smell! The only problem was it was several metres up a tree. And while lions can climb… big males are not very good at it!
Rearing up on its hind legs, he dugs his front claws into the base of the bark and pulled…… and pulled — with all of his strength, without really getting anywhere. Eventually, exhausted by trying to lift its own body weight, the lion gave up.
Somewhat defeated, the lion could only look up at the carcass and the somewhat smug leopard above.
Embarrassed by its failed attempt at tree-climbing, the lion sought to restore its dignity in other ways. It began sniffing around the base of the tree with great intent. However, when it found a single, skinny impala leg, its eventual reward did little to achieve its goal.
Meanwhile, safely ensconced in the branches above, the leopard calmly maneuvered into a more comfortable position. Seemingly unflappable, she continued to feed.
Mindful of the lion pacing below, the leopard’s occasional snarl surely rubbed salt in its wounded pride.
That is, when she wasn’t ‘showing off’ for the tourists below.
As for the lion on the ground, it continued to weigh its options. Sniffing some more, checking how much meat was left on the carcass, and considering different ways to get up the tree.
