21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Lion retreating when confronted by determined Cape Buffalo

Discretion is the better part of valor. This male kion had been casually approaching a herd, also called an obstinacy, of Cape Buffalo, with what I surmised might be interest in dinner. As he did, these stalwarts organized themselves into a defensive phalanx between the lion and the rest of the herd, which persueded the lion to beat a hasty retreat.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Camera: NIKON D90
Copyright: © Jack Morton