A Daring Climb: Leopard Risks It All for a Rare Meal in the Treetops
In the heart of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a breathtaking drama unfolded high above the savanna—one that few have ever witnessed, and even fewer have captured on film.
While on their annual winter getaway, wildlife enthusiast Ally Bradfield and her husband set out for a peaceful morning drive along the S41 near Satara. What they found instead was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that left them stunned.
“We were just cruising near Gudzani Dam when we noticed a car pulled over, its passengers fixated on something in the distance,” Ally recalls. “We slowed down and scanned the treetops—then we saw it. A large shape was moving inside a nest nearly 70 meters from the road.”
What they saw next defied belief: a leopard, perched precariously in the upper branches of a tall tree, had invaded a raptor’s nest. A Tawny Eagle—a fierce bird of prey—was dive-bombing the intruder in a desperate attempt to protect its chick.
“I grabbed the binoculars and then my camera. I couldn’t believe it—a leopard in the nest! I started recording immediately.”
The leopard, undeterred by the eagle’s attacks or the dizzying height, wrestled with the chick in a tense struggle. Eventually, the young eagle succumbed, and the leopard claimed its prize. It was a rare and risky hunt—leopards are known for their agility, but climbing to such heights for prey is uncommon and dangerous.
“We later confirmed it was a Tawny Eagle chick, likely just weeks away from fledging. In over 20 years of visiting Kruger, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Though the tall grass obscured the leopard’s descent, Ally suspects it retreated to a quiet spot to enjoy its hard-earned meal. “It was a privilege to witness such raw nature in action. My advice to anyone visiting the bush? Stay curious, stay patient, and always appreciate the moment.”
If you have a camera, keep calm, have binoculars and a camera or even a video camera on the ready!
