In an incredible act of resilience and determination, two lion brothers, including one with an amputated leg, embarked on a record-breaking night swim through dangerous waters in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. Crossing the crocodile-infested Kazinga Channel, the lions swam nearly a mile, marking the longest documented swim by lions as researchers believe.
The journey was led by Jacob, a lion who has faced numerous life-threatening situations during his 10 years in the park, including losing part of a leg to a poaching trap. According to lead study author Dr. Alex Braczkowski, the lions likely made the daring swim in search of females after losing a fight to another group of male lions. The scientific findings were published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
After witnessing Jacob and his brother Tibu engage in two vicious fights with rival male lions, researchers set out to track their movements and capture footage of the lions hunting. Using high-definition heat detection cameras on drones, the team observed the brothers making three attempts to cross the channel, with the dangers of crocodiles looming.
Despite the risks, the lions persisted and successfully crossed the river on their third try, with Jacob trailing his brother but making it safely to the other side. The journey highlights the challenges faced by lions in human-dominated landscapes where resources are scarce and competition for mates is fierce.
As lion populations continue to decline due to various threats including poaching and loss of habitat, researchers emphasize the need for conservation efforts that support both wildlife and local communities. The story of Jacob and Tibu serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths that wildlife will go to survive in a changing world.
