A mother elephant hastily crossed a road in Kruger National Park, leaving her baby behind. Lions spotted the abandoned calf and saw a potential opportunity.
How Did This Story Begin
Brent Schnupp, a 55-year-old paramedic from Virginia, captured the incident during his safari.
Early in the morning near Mopani camp, everyone was eager and quick to get ready for their safari. For good reason too, as they came across lions almost right away.
Why the Calf Was Lost
It was initially peaceful. But that was disrupted by a distressed mother elephant who rushed past and unknowingly separated herself from her calf.
The lions noticed the situation and pursued the defenseless baby elephant. This was overwhelming for the calf, who didn’t seem to realize the magnitude of the danger.
Brave Elephant Baby
However, with amazing courage, the baby elephant turned to face every advance! The younger male lion even tried to circle and intimidate the baby, but still, the calf stood firm.
For everyone watching, the standoff became very emotional! Luckily for the baby elephant, its bravery caught the lions off guard, who were hesitant to follow through with any of their attempts.
Despite their size, experience, and advantage in numbers, the lions failed to land a decisive attack. Eventually deciding to abandon their attack altogether.
This left everyone, including seasoned safari rangers stunned! The little elephant was given no odds. Yet, it managed to pull itself through one of the scariest situations an animal could find themselves in.
What Happened With the Baby Elephant
We of course have no way of knowing if the baby elephant made it back to its mom and family. But, with that kind of courage, we sure bet that it did!