Lion Loses Kill to Hyenas

It was on Christmas day. We watched a male lion track down a herd of three male impalas from late afternoon. The location is at the Nairobi National Park southern border. We watched from the safety of a secure terrace. 

And a hyena scout is never too far away from a lion on a hunting prowl. If the lion makes a kill, then he would howl loudly to report to his mates.

As evening set in and darkness enveloped the valley, the lion managed to corner one of the bucks and made a kill. The scene was hidden by a thick acacia woodlot and no one would dare venture close to a lion with prey.

No sooner had the male lion put the impala down and the hyena was louder than several vuvuzelas that echoed across the valley.

Unfortunately for the lion, he was on hyena territory where they call home and patrol. A multitude of them were on the scene almost instantly. 

The lion put on a brave fight but he was surrounded, and overwhelmed by a mob of howling hyenas. No idea how much of the bloody banquet he was able to enjoy. 

The hyenas were left to feast and squabble over King of the jungle's hard won meal on Christmas Day.