In an extraordinary and unusual sighting filmed by Saul Jassinowsky, a male lion was caught entering the water at night—something lions rarely do unless absolutely necessary. At first, the big cat seemed to be wading in and out of the shallows for no clear reason, sparking curiosity about his behavior. Lions can swim when required, such as crossing rivers, but they are generally reluctant to get wet, making this midnight dip highly unusual.
The mystery was soon solved when the lion suddenly plunged his head beneath the water and emerged with the limp body of a buffalo calf. The calf, already dead, appeared to have suffered a head injury. This suggested it had likely been killed earlier by a crocodile, which often drags its prey underwater to stash it for later feeding. Thanks to his powerful sense of smell, the lion had detected the carcass despite it being submerged, and with incredible strength, he hauled the estimated 50-kilogram body from the water with ease.
After shaking himself dry like a typical cat, the lion confidently dragged his prize along the shoreline. A large male can consume up to 40 kilograms of flesh in a single sitting, and from the determined look on his face, this lion seemed unwilling to share. The encounter highlighted the lion’s remarkable strength, sharp senses, and adaptability—even venturing into water to secure a meal under the cover of darkness.
