Watch: Leopard mom’s selfless act to defend her cubs against lioness
A courageous mother leopard had a full-on brawl with a lioness that approached her den to get to her cubs.
Two people on a game drive at andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge witnessed what was ‘hands-down one of the bravest and most selfless acts we’ve seen in the wild’.
This is according to LatestSightings.com, which shared footage provided by Carol and Bob* who enjoyed an African adventure of a lifetime.
Carol and Bob were met by their ranger, Godliving Shoo, who knew of a leopard denning in the area and thought it would be a great time to try and spot her.
Before long, the leopard mom and her two cubs were in sight.
The precious moment was soon shattered, however.
“The leopard was outside her den when my husband spotted a lioness crouched just a few metres away, watching intently in the same general direction. We initially thought two separate events were unfolding – the leopard and her cubs, and the lioness watching the wildebeest in the distance. But as she crept forward, we realised she was focused on the leopards,” Carol told Latest Sightings.
As the lion crept up to striking distance, it was all or nothing for the leopard. Being smaller, she was at a massive disadvantage, but with everything to lose, she stood her ground with amazing courage.
“Without a second thought, the lion leapt in to engage the leopard. The rest of the lion pride was just around the corner from the scene, but the lioness was feeling so confident, that she didn’t bother waiting for backup – a choice she would no doubt regret.
“The leopard jumped to meet the lioness and the pair locked in a grapple as they hit the ground. Once again, the lioness had the upper hand, as she landed on top.”
The leopard, however, was ferocious. She kicked, bit and tore at the underside of the lioness.
“It was almost overbearing, and it took the lioness by surprise. With limited options, the lioness bit at one of the leopard’s back feet, but it wasn’t enough.
“With so much happening in the footage, it was tricky to see exactly how she did it, but the leopard managed to latch onto the lioness’ leg and target a soft spot. The lioness’ reaction made it clear how much it hurt, as she jumped away from the leopard and held out her paw like an injured puppy.”
This was when the leopard realised she might have saved her babies, as the lioness backed off and the cubs were given time to hide. She escaped to a nearby tree.
The rest of the lions arrived shortly after and tried to climb up to the leopard, but they couldn’t reach her.
Luck finally came the leopard’s way when one of the lions caught a nearby wildebeest and, with food on the table, they quickly grew bored of the leopard.
She was able to get to her babies, which were unharmed.
*Surname unknown