By Timmy Odejimi
ACTION-PACKED pictures taken by a British wildlife photographer show the moment a group of African buffalos were ambushed by a young male lion and a pack of lionesses.
One image shows the male lion attacking a buffalo and narrowly avoiding death as the valiant buffalo’s horn brushes inches from the lion’s heart.
Other spectacular pictures from this clash of the titans, show the herd of African buffalos attempting to shield a fellow buffalo, the male lion jumping onto the rear of its hapless prey, eventually devouring the weakest buffalo that failed to escape.
These images were captured in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, by British wildlife photographer, Luke Massey.
“I was working on an assignment with safari operators Shenton Safaris and came across a buffalo herd being attacked by a group of lionesses and a young lion,” said Luke.
“At first the young male lion was very lucky to come away uninjured, it jumped onto the rear of the buffalo but was quickly surrounded by other buffalo.
“The young lion jumped onto the rear of the buffalo but was quickly surrounded by other buffalo and one charged and tossed the lion, its horns narrowly missing piercing the lion’s chest.”
African buffalos, otherwise known as Cape buffalos, are the largest buffalo species found in South and East Africa.
Shenton Safaris, where the wild animals were spotted, overlooks the Luangwa River and is a family-run business established in 1992.
“People are often amazed by the sequence, lions hunting buffalo is seen on the TV a lot but actually quite a rare sight to watch in the flesh whilst on safari,” said Luke.
“I’ve spent over four-months in the African bush working on various projects and this was the only lion verses buffalo hunt I’ve ever witnessed.
“A lot of my work revolves around conservation stories and urban wildlife, but I love to travel and experience wildlife around the globe.
“I hope most my work sends a message to people, shows them what we should be protecting and how we can make a difference.”
