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They might be the ‘king of the jungle’, but Mufasa and the gang can’t parkour like these baboons.

A troop of baboons crossing the famous West Street Bridge in MalaMala Game Reserve found themselves suddenly surrounded by lions with nowhere to go, so they swung underneath the bridge to escape becoming lunch.

Mike Botes, a guide at MalaMala Game Reserve, was able to capture this very interesting and funny behaviour on video, and you can’t help but laugh at how silly the lions must feel.

Baboons are some of the animals that are extremely fond of the bridge, as it offers them a high vantage point from which to look out for any potential threats. Guests to MalaMala are often greeted by these primates going about their monkey business, grooming themselves, and playing catch in the middle of the bridge.

According to Mike, “We had been out on a game drive, following the Kambula pride of lions along with their pride males, the Ndhzenga males. We thought they were headed for the Sand River, perhaps in search of a drink. But it soon became apparent that they did not actually want to drink but rather wanted to cross the Sand River. They were heading straight for the West Street Bridge.”

“As a troop of baboons was soaking up the morning sun on the bridge they lost focus and did not see the lions approaching.”

“The lions strolled onto the bridge with not a care in the world. As for the baboons, it was too late. They let out screeches and alarm calls, alerting every mammal and bird in the vicinity.  The baboons scrambled, and it was havoc. Unfortunately, surrounded and unable to outrun the lions, the baboons had to think on their feet to survive.”

“To our amazement, the baboons dashed under the bridge! Hanging onto the metal bars under the bridge, they knew they were safe.”

The baboons, feeling confident now that they were out of reach, apparently began taunting the lions. They were literally under the lions’ noses, and the lions could not do a thing.

Aapstreke:

Shame Simba, it sucks not having opposable thumbs.

[source:latestsightings]