TO THE DEATH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5094, 28 February 1927, Page 4

TO THE DEATH.

BUFFALO’S FIGHT WITH LIOxNJS.

A HUNTER’S STORY

A thrilling story of the fight to the death between three lions and a buffalo in the Ukimbu country, Brilisu East Africa, is told by Mr George Sharp the well-known prospector and naturalist formerly of Aralueir Nev. South Wales.

“1 was hunting one day in the Ukimbu district, tracking a large elephant early in the morning, when 1 heard the sound of animals in conflict,” said Mr Sharp.

“With my native trackers I. made 'for the spot, from which the noises came, and within a couple of minutes 1 reached an open area in which a buffalo was fighting for his life with three lions. The buffalo, a large bull, with huge horns, was engaged with a lion and lioness an da young lion three-parts grown.

“They fought for more than half an hour, and the combat was of such fury .that 'for much of the time it was. impossible to see what was happening. The movements df the animals were like lightning. The lion was a magnificent specimen, with a black mane. He repeatedly leaped on the buffala’s back, only to be thrown to the ground again.

“Keen strategy was shown by the lions. They each took up advantageous positions, and never got in one another’s way. The lioness kept at the buffalo’s near hind leg, and kept snapping all the muscles. The young lion attacked the near, front leg, while the full-grown lion remained on the right side of the buffalo, his object being to reach the animal’s neck by leaping on its back. Tne neck is the chosen point of attack by practically all big game.

“At times the buffalo, which frequently charged the lions, sometimes seemed to ihave the best cif the fight, but he could not escape. Whenever he charged the lions stood back, maintaining their positions, and as the buffalo attempted to break away they were at him again. After one such attempt every lion had hold of the buffalo, with the ‘frantic animal trying to sweep the old lion off his back with his horns. The lion presently came heavily to the ground, ills claws having pulled through the buffalo’s hide leaving deep gashes streaming with blood.

“At last the buffalo began to show signs of weakening, and it took longer for him to dislodge the old Hon from his back after each spring.

“With a determined effort the lioness brought the buffalo’s hindquarters to the ground, while the lion clung to his back, gnowing at his neck, and with all claws scoring the animal’s flanks.

“The first to let go was the lioness. After the buffalo collapsed she drew back a couple of yards and lay down with her head between her paws, 'facing the buffalo. The old lion then sprang off and sat up on his hind logs, viewing t,he dying animal, while the young lion walked slowly around; All of them looked done up. The old lion was covered with blood 'from head to tail, and the young one was n«'t much better.

“When they saw me approach, which I did after about five minutes, they showed no fight, but slunk away. “Throughout my fifteen years of life in the African wilds this is the most stirring encounter between native animals that I have seen,” concluded Mr Sharp.