While on a game drive in northern Botswana, photographers Evan Schiller and Lisa Holzwarth encountered a troop of baboons running away from something scary.
They soon found out that the baboons were chased by a few lionesses. “Between the baboons shrieking and the lionesses communicating with deep guttural roars, it was a mad scene,” Lisa said.
The photographers lost no time to capture the intensely dramatic event happening before their eyes.
A brave female baboon attempted to make a run for it. But got caught by a lioness.
As the baboon lay dying in the lioness’ jaws, a little baby emerged from its body.
The lioness seemed surprise to see the baby. She just looked at it as he tried to climb the tree.
Surprisingly, the lioness didn’t hurt the baby. She gently examined him and played with the baby.
The lioness picked him up gently in her mouth and seemed trying to comfort him.
The baby baboon responded and even tried to suckle the lioness.
But that wasn’t the most amazing part.
Two male lions arrived to the scene. The lioness instantly showed aggression. Was she defending the baby? Whatever the case was, this caused a distraction.
A distraction that offered an opportunity for the father baboon to rescue the baby.
Father baboon grabbed his little baby and immediately headed back to safety and held him tightly in his arms.
(Source: National Geographic)
I’ve read many wonderful stories happening in the wild. And this is one of the most amazing ones, thanks to the photographers Evan Schiller and Lisa Holzwarth for capturing this gripping animal encounter with an awesome heroic twist.
“No matter what,” Lisa said. “The young baboon remains an inspiration to me—and a reminder, that life is fragile and no matter how much we fight to control its outcome, all we can do is live in the moment.”