Lion Kill at Lion Camp

Last night at around 7pm the plains animals where restless and wheezing off warning whistles to each other; a sign that a predator on the hunt was nearby. This went on for about 10 minutes, I thought it was a false alarm, that they were just skittish because of the full moon so I walked off and left the guys playing with the spotlight wishing they would stop horsing around and get back to setting up the table for dinner. I hadn't gone 10 steps when I heard a blood curdling wail, like an inflated balloon slowly losing air through a tiny controlled opening or a kitten that has been stepped on by a large foot. This was followed by growls and grunts and a lot of activity involving antelope and Puku scurrying about dissapearing into the long grass and big yellow bodies scampering towards the dead Puku for a piece of the action. The guests missed all of this but were able to witness the quiet aftermath as the lions relaxed and casually feasted on their catch for the rest of the night. Full moon nights are a time for nervous tension for the plains animals, they are more exposed and in full illuminated view, so much pitted against their survival. Full moon nights are an optimum opportunity for the lions, one of the few nights they can pick and choose their meal, with the moon on their side, hunting becomes a flawless successful exercise and with no scavengers daring to sneak up on them, they can casually dine in peace.

Hell hath no fury like a lioness with cubs

I was planning on sleeping in this morning when Kazembo woke me up. "Madam, Madam!" I shot up thinking, lodge is on fire, there is a riot and I am all alone, someone's drowned. no. "A crocodile has been killed by rion and George is taking car to go there!" " I'll be right there! " I yelled back as I flew out of my bed and into my tracksuit, at the door I paused and realized I was wearing my pink sleeping shirt, a practical come hither sign for any dangerous animals that might be keen for some animal on girl action. I ripped my shirt off, put on a brown earthy one in its place, grabbed my hat and camera (praying the battery wasn't flat) and flew outside where George was revving the ancient landcruiser. Kazembo stood by the laundry table folding a sheet in slow motion longingly staring at the vehicle. "Well are you coming???" and that's all it took to get him to join our impromptu game drive. It was about 8:30 am and what had happened was the lions and their cubs had been feeding on an unfortunate impala right opposite chalet 1 (as I slept!!!) when a lazy crocodile decided to waddle up and stir some sh*t hoping to get a piece of the action. The lionesses were not having it, there are 3 of them adults and 4 young ones, the impala was hardly enough to go around as is. So while the kids were at a safe distance the other 2 must have wrestled with the crocs hind legs eventually breaking them while the larger/older female went for the jugular and ripped it open leaving the crocodile with a huge gash exposing tissue, veins, and air tubes. When we got to the scene the croc had gone comatose to preserve his energy, I thought he was doornail dead. While we went hunting for the lions who we found in the shade nearby vultures got wind of the story and immediately began to congregate. As I write they must now be in their hundreds shamelessly waiting for the croc to give up the ghost. Not wanting to be eaten alive the croc would occasionally raise his head and snarl at the vultures who were duly warned but not intimidated. They know its just a matter of time.

Close inspection of croc: beautiful animal with marble green eyes and skin that looks like a rug with well placed dull colored precious stones.