While male and female lions often hunt together—sometimes as a single pair and other times in groups—it is usually the females that do most of the work. When game is sighted the males hide themselves while the females circle around and drive the prey toward them. With a sudden rushing leap a male then pounces on it, biting its throat. Sometimes he will break the neck of the victim by wrenching its head around with his strong paws. Either way, death is almost instantaneous. In spite of the fact that they must kill to survive, they only kill when hungry—never for sport. Although they are not aware of it, they are dependent on the Creator for their food supply, as the Bible expresses it, “The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat in due season.” Psalms 145:1515The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. (Psalm 145:15).
Lions prey on antelopes, zebras, springboks, wildebeests, impalas and some smaller animals. Hover, they do not always do their own hunting. Sometimes they come upon other animals feeding on something they have captured, drive them off and take over the prize. On other occasions they watch the sky for vultures, which quickly drop to the earth when they see a dead animal. Following this lead, the lion finds food without having to work for it.
As strong and fierce as they are, lions are not always successful in their hunting, for swift animals often escape. At times the lion even becomes the victim. Zebras and giraffes, for instance, pursued by a lion will sometimes watch until it is right at their heels, then give a vicious kick in the lion’s face. Many a lion has had its jaw broken that way and been forced to give up the chase. With such an injury it cannot eat and will eventually starve to death.
All lions taking part in a big feed will lie down together and sleep it off in places where they are well hidden. At such times, with their stomachs full, a person or animal could walk by them and not be bothered. Although the big male looks very noble, sorry to say he doesn’t always measure up to it. If food has been scarce or if he is extremely hungry, even if a female has made a catch he will not let her or the cubs eat until he has eaten his fill. This often results in the cubs starving to death.
The lives and habits of these big beasts remind us that this world is full of trouble—the result of sin which is seen on every hand. There are many evil things around us which Satan, the “roaring lion,” uses to capture careless ones, and a place of safety from him is most important. The Bible tells us of a sure place of escape: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee.” Deuteronomy 33:2727The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. (Deuteronomy 33:27). Is He your hiding place?
(to be continued)
ML-05/06/1984