Wildebeest Makes an Incredible Leap Over Two Lions to Escape Certain Death

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Wildebeests, also known as gnu, have a lot to watch out for as they graze across the African savannah. Wildebeest are part of the diet of both lions and spotted hyenas. To protect themselves, they gather in large herds. But when one breaks away from the group, danger lurks. However, these sociable herbivores are more agile than you might expect and use their speed and agility to get away from predators. In one wild video, a wildebeest has been spotted leaping over lions lying in wait to pounce.

How Do Lions Hunt Wildebeest?

Wildebeests and zebras are common prey for lions. Wildebeests can sprint up to 50 miles per hour, while zebras typically run at speeds around 40 miles per hour. A lion’s top speed is also 50 miles per hour, making the chase between a lion and a wildebeest a close affair. Lions, however, hunt in groups, which gives them a strategic advantage. When a wildebeest is deep within its herd, it’s safe from danger. But lions will work together to force a lone individual away from the group.

Once a pride of lions has its sights on a wildebeest, it will circle around it, cutting it off from its group. Next, they charge forward and pounce. If they are successful, they will knock the animal over, usually killing it by breaking its neck or strangling it with their powerful jaws.

Two Species of Wildebeest Live in Africa

There are two species of wildebeest in Africa, the common wildebeest and the black wildebeest. Black wildebeests can be spotted by their cream-colored tails.

The blue wildebeest is migratory and spends its entire life in a circular migration pattern. Wildebeests are most vulnerable during calving season when predators prowl nearby, waiting to strike the smaller, vulnerable young calves. Calves are able to stand and walk soon after birth, which helps them survive their constant migration.

One Wildebeest Beat the Odds by Leaping Over Two Lionesses

Some breathtaking video footage of wildlife in action comes out of Kruger National Park in South Africa. The video, posted on YouTube by T&T Creative Media, shows a tourist on a safari catching a stunning moment on film. A blue wildebeest runs wildly to escape a lion. In its escape, it ran right into two others lurking in the bush. But the wildebeest doesn’t let the lions take it down. Instead, the animal leaps directly over the lions, kicking one in the head as it flies across. Wildebeest are known to be great jumpers, and in Kenya, they can be seen leaping to attempt to cross the Mara River in their migration. They jump to avoid crocodiles, and being taken away by the fast-moving current.

In the video, the wildebeest then heads for a watering hole, as the lion pride gathers around the edge of the water. The last we see of the wildebeest, it’s still on the run with seven lions in pursuit. We don’t know if the hunt was successful or if the wildebeest made an escape. The description from the video stated the wildebeest managed to outpace the lions, heading “straight through the shallow part of the river to outrun the lionesses on the other side.” It appears the wildebeest may have managed to escape the lions, but when the video cuts off, the animal is still running with all seven lions in pursuit.

How Can a Wildebeest Defend Itself?

The most effective way that wildebeest protect themselves is by living together in large herds. When they are surrounded by other wildebeest, it’s difficult for a predator to pick one off for its meal. Wildebeest also have large, curved horns, which they will use to defend themselves and their young ones. When lions attack wildebeests, they try to pounce from behind. Even a fierce lion doesn’t want to get hit by a wildebeest’s sharp horn.

When a herd of wildebeest senses danger, they will panic and start running. Neither humans nor animals would want to get caught in the middle of a wildebeest stampede.

Wildebeests and Lions Are Keystone Species in Their Ecosystems

Both wildebeests and lions have important roles to play in their habitats. Keystone species are species that would change the habitat if they were gone. Lions keep the population of herbivores in check. Without lions and other predators, herbivores, like the wildebeest, would overpopulate and run out of resources.

Lions also keep grazing animals constantly on the move. In turn, grazing animals, such as wildebeests, keep the vegetation under control and prevent it from overgrowing. As wildebeest migrate, they graze on grass, keeping the grassland healthy with regrowth.

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