Survival of the Youngest and Fittest

It was on the morning drive when we came across the biggest kudu bull I have ever seen. With horns stretching to the sky, this old bull trudged across the road in front of us with its head held low, the weight of the horns seeming to pull his neck down. We all commented on his size and age and what a good job he had done making it this far in the predator rich area of the Sabi Sands - We left thinking that the next set of lions to come across this boy would have a feast. On the afternoon drive we happened to drive past the same area, tracking some unidentified lions from Kruger, and we happened upon our friend in the bushes of the sand river. This time though, to our complete surprise, there was a pride of six lions feasting on the last bits of his remains. His horns were unmistakable… nature is cruel but fair.

Posted: Kirkman's Kamp by Paul Steyn, Date: 12 May 2008