Tenacious Young Elephant Successfully Fights Off a Hungry Pride of Female Lions

While on a tour with Norman Carr Safaris Chinzombo Camp in Zambia during November 2014, photographer Jesse Nash captured incredible footage of a lone young elephant fighting off a pride of hungry female lions who saw the little pachyderm as an easy target. The juvenile, who had been separated from his herd, proved himself a lot tougher than he appeared and successfully fought off the aggressively attacking felines to live another day. The local humans gave this little guy the name “Hercules” in light of his fierce bravery and strength.

A young elephant somehow was separated from his herd when a 14 member pride of female lions descended on the helpless animal at Norman Carr Safaris Chinzombo Camp in Zambia. Clearly outnumbered, the elephant managed to bravely fend off the attack despite having three lioness on his back at one point! …At sunset, suddenly they stumbled upon this extraordinary sight and battle for survival. But this little guy beat the odds, fought back and got away unscathed. …”In the many years I have been a safari guide in Zambia at the South Luangwa, never have I seen anything like this,” said Innocent, one of the top safari guides that works with Norman Carr Safaris, and who was the one who drove us to this remarkable site. “We were all so worried the elephant would be killed right before us. What a fighter. It fought off all 14 lions. Incredible.” We’ve named the little fella Hercules.

via Digg

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.