Lone lion kills a giraffe

We have seen lions bring down different prey species from A to Z – from aardvark, antelopes, elands ostrich, wildebeest to zebras.  But two days ago it was a different story.  A lone male lion jumped on the back of a mature male giraffe, devoured the tendons and was dragged on for over 500 meters before finally succeeding in bringing it down. This was an act that surprised us all and we were left speechless at how a lone lion could perform this amazing feat!

We set off on a mission to find out which lion it was.  Judging by the size of the tracks found by the giraffe carcass, we knew it was a large male. Amongst us, opinions on the lion’s identity was divided between Ndelie and Manengop . We arrived at the site of the kill a few minutes after seven in the evening, and there he was. It was Manengop!

How on earth can a lone sub-adult male bring down a mature male giraffe? He was guarding his kill from marauding hyaenas and had a bulging stomach. He had eaten till he was full and other scavengers were biding their time, waiting for him to leave his meal.

Tourist from the nearby Porini camp were having a good time taking pictures of this magnificent male lion that was completely at home with cars and flashing cameras. Other lions close by did not spoil the party as the intimidating roar of Manengop who has already marked Selenkay conservancy as his territory, probably frightened them away. After he had had his fill and left, several scavengers streamed to the carcass to have their share of the kill.

Tens of hyenas and vultures partook in the feast of leftovers, as did a lone leopard that we were fortunate to see despite its elusive and shrewd reputation.