Numerous crocodiles were sharing a meal along a shoreline in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia when a leopard decided to join them.
Wildlife photographer Stefan Cruysberghs was on an early morning safari when his group came upon the feeding frenzy as some 10-plus crocodiles fed on a puku antelope, as reported by Latest Sightings.
It was quite a scene, but the excitement level increased when another predator was added to the mix.
“It was a huge surprise for everyone at first, but then it was assumed that the leopard had originally caught the puku and was forced to abandon it,” Latest Sightings stated. “Now, it returned only to find that it had been claimed by a bask of crocodiles.
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“That would normally be the end of the story. After all, when crocodiles steal your meal, there really isn’t anything that can be done about that. However, this leopard wouldn’t have it! If it was going to lose its food, it wasn’t losing everything.”
So the leopard, risking its life, attempted to join them.
“The leopard zigged and zagged its way through the pile of crocodile bodies,” Latest Sightings said. “It even had to dodge a couple of snaps, but that wasn’t enough to deter it.
“It did end up finding the space it was looking for.”
But was it worth it? It only managed to get two small chunks of the puku before walking away.
Latest Sightings suggested that the leopard had an injured eye or possibly had a blinded eye, which might explain its risky behavior.
Photo courtesy of Latest Sightings.
