Part 4/5:
The hunt begins with the lions on the perimeter striving to separate a solitary buffalo from its herd, highlighting the importance of timing and patience. There is little room for error in these high-stakes pursuits, as the rest of the pride meticulously works together to wear down the prey. Eventually, once the buffalo is sufficiently exhausted, the lions move in for the kill—a process that may take several minutes as they work to overpower their massive quarry.
The significant size advantage of the male lions plays a critical role in this phase, providing the brute strength necessary to bring down the buffalo. In this effective display of teamwork, even the herd recognizes the impending defeat of the lone buffalo, as it finds itself surrounded and outmatched.