Safari tourists recently observed a pride of lions strolling just yards past their open-topped vehicle, and footage of the encounter begs the question:
Why don’t lions attack people who are so close and exposed when they would almost certainly become confrontational if the same people were to exit the vehicle?
The footage was captured by Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge in South Africa. Note the reaction of Moses, sitting closest to the lions, after being cautioned that the lions were approaching.
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While Moses appears nervous, he intentionally avoids direct eye contact with the lions to lessen the chance of an adverse reaction.
“A captivating moment as the Nkuhuma pride gracefully strolled past Deon, Moses, and our guests in perfect visibility,” Chitwa Chita stated via social media. “Witnessing the Nkuhuma pride so often has been the greatest pleasure!”
The obvious question was posed by Facebook follower Jason Mwanza: “Admin, why is it lions don’t attack tourist in open vehicles?”
Chitwa Chitwa offered the following response:
Lions generally do not attack tourists in open vehicles due to a few reasons:
1) Lack of Provocation: Lions typically do not see tourists in vehicles as prey or a threat unless provoked.
2) Unfamiliarity: Lions may not recognize the vehicles as prey due to their unfamiliarity with them.
3) Heightened Senses: Lions rely heavily on their senses, and the sights, sounds, and smells of the vehicles may confuse or deter them from attacking.
4) Association with Harmlessness: Lions may have learned through experience that vehicles do not pose a threat to them and are harmless.
5) Respect for Size and Noise: The size and noise of the vehicles may intimidate the lions, deterring them from attacking.
6) Conservation Regulations: In many wildlife reserves, rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of both tourists and animals, and vehicles are required to maintain a safe distance from the wildlife.