The Killing Machine

August 19, 2016 - Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia

We spend the morning stalking lions.  The guides at BBC refer to one particular lioness as The Killing Machine given how consistently successful she is at hunting prey in the concession.  We find her along with her two sub-adult males.  The cubs remain close by and practice their hunting moves on each other while she watches the plains for weak and slow prey.   We are on the verge of seeing her take a puku or a lechwe, but one young lion blows the hunt by getting to close to mom, tipping the herd off.

The Killing Machine. 

The Killing Machine. 

Ready, set, go! 

Ready, set, go! 

Leapin' lion. 

Leapin' lion. 

Play. 

Play. 

Practicing the hunt. 

Practicing the hunt. 

Takedown! 

Takedown! 

This is how it is done. 

This is how it is done. 

Brothers. 

Brothers. 

Watching and waiting... 

Watching and waiting... 

Playtime is over. 

Playtime is over.