A lion in Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park was caught in a tense moment when it sought refuge in a tree after being chased by a herd of nearly 100 buffaloes.
The predator found itself in a precarious situation, fleeing up an Acacia tree to avoid the charging animals.
Once perched among the branches, the lion snarled at the buffaloes below but struggled under its weight, slipping as it tried to maintain its position.
Despite the lion’s attempts to climb higher, the buffaloes eventually lost interest and moved on, allowing the big cat to escape. Once the herd dispersed, the lion quickly descended from the tree and ran safely.
Neelutpaul Barua, a 39-year-old photographer from Mumbai, India, captured the rare event during a safari tour.
He explained that while lions typically hunt buffaloes, the roles were reversed this time. “The tables turned when a herd of nearly 100 buffaloes chased this lion, forcing it to take refuge in a tree,” Barua said.
Barua described the lion’s struggle, noting that the animal wanted to get higher but was hampered by its weight.
“He was outnumbered, and it became a game of patience. The buffaloes stood their ground, but after a while, they lost interest, and the lion saw its chance to escape.”
Reflecting on the scene, Barua shared how special the moment was: “Such rare encounters in the wild are overwhelming. I had to remain calm, enjoy the experience, and capture photos that would do justice to this unique opportunity.”
This remarkable event highlights wildlife’s unpredictable nature and the shifting power balance between predator and prey.
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