On the morning of the 23rd of July 2019, Mr Gert Cloete, a 78-year-old retiree captured amazing footage while staying at Ngwenya Lodge, which borders the Kruger National Park.
The footage was submitted to us by Colin Pretorius, who advised that Mr Cloete does not have social media, but that he thought the video tells a magnificent story and so, he had to share it with us on Mr Cloetes’ behalf.
In his own words, Colin tells us the story as Mr Cloete explained it to him. “It was Tuesday, and I had been looking out over the Crocodile River at a small herd of buffalo grazing not too far off, it was quiet until the peace for the buffaloes was disturbed by a pride of hungry lions pouncing in on an almost picture-perfect scene.
“The lions started chasing the herd and eventually brought one of the buffalo down. I watched for a while as the rest of the herd seemed to look on from a distance after they had run off, as if trying to decide on their next move. I thought it was all done and over with for the poor buffalo – when all of a sudden – the small herd of about 20 buffalo came back with a vengeance to save the one that was left for dead just a few moments ago.
“They all tried for a while, and intimidated the lions, who were by this time more than aware of the herd’s return. As the intimidation between the buffalo and the lions continued, I was surprised to find that two of the male buffaloes were now having a go at each other, horns locked and all! As if oblivious to the attempted rescue mission at hand.
“When the herd realized that the damage had been done and the victim would not return with them, they started to move off to the distance.
“It was like watching a movie unfold and the sighting was amazing, I feel so lucky and appreciative of being able to experience such a small part of God’s creation.
“Victory to the buffaloes in trying to help each other, because it was unbelievable. These were scenes I had only previously experienced while watching National Geographic. It was my very first time in reality, and I’m hoping that all can be so lucky as to witness such an event.
“I feel like there is a lesson to be learnt by this experience, it was wonderful to see such co-operation in nature. It’s teaching us humans to help one another”
