DAYBREAK ON THE BANKS OF THE LUANGWA RIVER
Our destination is a dead Buffalo and a Lion pride. The headlamps of the
vehicle throw harsh bands of light across the macabre scene where one life has
been sacrificed for the benefit of others. The remains of the Buffalo exude a
putrid stench that wafts in the air while the primary beneficiaries of this
feast lie close by with their bellies distended by a night of gorging. Three
heads turn instantly towards the noise of the vehicle as we approach and their
disquieting glares remind us that we are in their domain.
As we throw a spotlight over the scene we see the growing number of
vultures dropping from the skies to wait. They are patient and sit in a frozen
tabloid their eyes focused on the prize. Imperceptibly they start to edge
closer and closer all the while watching for the reaction from their feline
foes. It is an uneasy truce and they need to test the ground before they are
able to advance.
Finally, one lone pioneer makes it onto the recumbent
heap that such a short while ago was a living breathing deadly beast. The
piercing blue eyes and sharp hooked beak start investigating the remains. In a
single hop talons anchor the winged creature to the dead skin still masking the
skeleton. Suddenly, despite the flashing yellow eyes of the lioness, still
lying only a few feet away, more vultures move in. The sharp hissing and
beating of wings heralds the beginning of the end of the feast.
Not far off will be the other scavengers, the Striped
Hyena, the Jackal, the Whiteback Vulture and the Lappet-faced Vulture will soon
appear to demolish the remains and the cycle will be complete.
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