A chase is on. A brave pursuit.
Lions have teeth and claws to grab and hold,
but giraffe legs are lethal weapons.
Who will win today?
Predator or prey?
A lone giraffe searches for water in a parched landscape.
Normally giraffes get all the moisture they need from plants.
But during the dry season, they must find other sources, like waterholes...
...where predators might be lurking.
Giraffes have exceptional eyesight.
They can pick up movement across vast distances.
But here in the long grass, the enemy can easily go unnoticed.
Along the riverbank, a lioness shadows the giraffe.
Alone, the big cat stands little chance of succeeding – giraffes are dangerous.
But another lioness enters the riverbed.
The two observe from different perspectives, planning their tactics,
waiting for the right moment to attack.
Lions are giraffes only real predators,
but claws and teeth don't guarantee success:
Hunting giraffes is a perilous way to get food.
It usually takes a much larger pride to succeed and survive.
But these lionesses are special.
This is their territory and they are expert giraffe hunters.
The giraffe needs to drink.
She splays her front legs so her neck can reach the water,
an unfavorable situation.
Now, she's vulnerable.
The lioness will take full advantage of the moment
when the giraffe's guard is down.
She has perfected a simple strategy.
When the giraffe looks up to assess the danger...
...the lioness freezes like a statue.
And when the giraffe feels safe enough to resume drinking...
...she comes back to life.
Each step brings the predator closer to her prey.
Perhaps the giraffe senses something is amiss.
But it's not enough to overcome her need to drink.
The lioness tracking the giraffe checks for her back.
Her companion slips into the sands of the riverbed to follow.
And now there are two of them.
One little move and the giraffe will flee.
Still, she doesn't detect a trap.
Her need to drink may be her undoing.
By the time the giraffe realizes the danger,
the lionesses are already accelerating through the riverbed.
Their legs may be short,
but lions have powerful muscles for sprinting.
Giraffes, on the other hand, have legs that can be used as lethal weapons.
To accomplish the kill, the lionesses must work together.
Those legs can crack a lion's skull.
Still, the lionesses keep up the attack.
Another lion hears the battle.
It normally takes a large group to attack and bring down a giraffe.
These two lionesses seem to be attempting the impossible.
More lions are drawn to the commotion.
But they don't commit.
Are they waiting for the two brave lionesses to do the dangerous work
before they join in on the kill?
Still hesitating.
Finally, a decision.
There's no chance of escape for the giraffe.
The two lionesses take prime position on the kill.
Today, they have shown exceptional skill and bravery.
They've hunted and killed a giant.
But now they must share their reward.
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