In the Etosha National Park in Namibia, Africa, a heartbreaking scene unfolded recently where a rhinoceros trapped in a water hole was attacked by a pride of lions, only to be rescued by a group of elephants. Unfortunately, the rhinoceros was ultimately unable to escape and became a feast for the lions.
According to the report by “Latest Sightings” website, Kim Hathway, a consultant agent for the American Discovery Channel, witnessed this event at the Etosha National Park.
Hathway and his friends went to a water hole but found no animals. Just as they were about to leave, they saw a lioness appearing on a nearby hill, followed by a group of lionesses heading towards the water hole.
Minutes later, a huge black rhinoceros came running from the same hill. Exhausted by the hot weather, it rushed towards the remaining water in the water hole and collapsed in the mud water, trying to cool off.
The rhinoceros seemed oblivious to the nearby predators, single-mindedly focused on drinking water, but the lionesses surely recognized this. As the lion pride approached step by step, the rhinoceros made little response, seemingly immobilized.
At the same time, Hathway felt something was amiss. The water hole turned out to be deep, with thick mud at the bottom, causing the rhinoceros to be trapped and becoming a target for the hungry lions’ attack.
However, just as the lions began to attack the trapped rhinoceros, a group of passing elephants walked towards the water hole and trumpeted, forcing the lions to retreat.
Although most of the elephants stood by to watch, one smaller elephant walked to the edge of the water hole, attempting to help the rhinoceros get up using its trunk and tusks. After hours of effort, the exhausted elephant had to give up and continued on with the other elephants.
After the lions returned to the scene and took control, they collaborated to flip the rhinoceros over, causing it to drown. After hours of struggle, the lion pride ultimately claimed victory, feasting on the rhinoceros.
Despite the tragic loss of the rhinoceros’ life, this incident showcased the camaraderie between different species in the animal kingdom, as well as the harsh reality of the survival of the fittest.
(Click here to watch the short video captured by Hathway)