Silvan Leibacher (and Mirko) from South Africa Stay was fortunate enough to join the Wildlife ACTconservation volunteers Kate Broxton, Lisa Wabner and Selina Daniels on our early morning lion monitoring session in Tembe Elephant Park. We decided to have a last hopeful look at Tembu Crossing when we came across a lioness (TEPF40) lying at the pans.What unfolded next was completely unexpected as she was out in the open and the sun was getting warm. An inexperienced herd of nyala came down to drink and didn’t notice the lioness at all. She promptly crouched behind some grass and waited patiently for the right moment. As soon as all the nyala were drinking and being inattentive, she pounced – singling out a female nyala and gave chase. The lioness swiftly killed her prey – then dragged it off into the shade for later. Immediately after she dashed across to the other side of the swamp where she killed a second nyala and then left them for later. To get out of the sun – she came onto the road and lay under a tree next to the vehicle. After sitting with her for some time, we returned to camp – with all conservation volunteers having to sit on the floor for safety. We slowly inched passed her and everyone had the closest of a once in a lifetime experience with this magnificent lioness.Series of photos taken by Silvan Leibacher.[caption id="attachment_389" align="alignleft" width="581"]
Nyala approach the dam.[/caption][caption id="attachment_390" align="alignleft" width="586"]
The lioness preparing her ambush.[/caption][caption id="attachment_391" align="alignleft" width="587"]
The unsuspecting nyala drinking as the lioness prepares to hunt.[/caption][caption id="attachment_392" align="alignleft" width="592"]
Stalking her prey.[/caption][caption id="attachment_394" align="alignleft" width="594"]
The chase is on![/caption][caption id="attachment_395" align="alignleft" width="594"]
Carrying the Nyala away - powerful jaws![/caption][caption id="attachment_396" align="alignleft" width="594"]
Protecting her kill.[/caption][caption id="attachment_397" align="alignleft" width="596"]
Walking out onto the road.[/caption][caption id="attachment_398" align="alignleft" width="597"]
A skilled hunting machine![/caption][caption id="attachment_399" align="alignleft" width="600"]
Successful hunt![/caption]
