On a sunny afternoon game drive, I had the privilege of witnessing one of my most memorable sightings of the year—an uncommon display of animal behaviour unfolding right before our eyes.

We had paused near a watering hole, enjoying the sight of various bird species congregating in the heat, drinking and cooling off. Without warning, a group of shrikes and fork-tailed drongos darted into a nearby thicket, their frantic calls and chirps filling the air. It was immediately clear they were agitated, but at first, we couldn’t see why.

Moments later, the reason emerged: a Spotted Eagle Owl appeared on top of a small tree, hooting softly. The smaller birds continued their noisy protest, likely trying to alert others in the area and persuade the owl to move on. Yet, the owl seemed entirely uninterested in them—its gaze was fixed elsewhere.

Then I caught a glimpse of something spotted moving in the undergrowth. A leopard! Within the blink of an eye, the owl folded its wings tightly and launched itself like a feathered missile toward the unsuspecting feline, legs and talons outstretched. In a swift, determined strike, the owl dive-bombed the leopard right on the head.

Startled and clearly annoyed, the leopard moved into the open, granting us a perfect view. But the owl’s attack wasn’t over. 

Again and again, it swooped down, continuing to mob the leopard with unwavering resolve. The leopard stood its ground, growling and baring its teeth in protest, but not fleeing the scene. This incredible standoff went on for at least twenty minutes.

Eventually, the leopard shifted position, settling about ten meters away under the shade of a tree. It appeared unruffled, seemingly accepting the owl’s relentless assaults as more nuisance than threat. I can only assume the owl had a nest nearby—eggs or chicks to protect—and it was determined not to yield to one of Africa’s apex predators.

As the midday heat intensified, the owl retreated to a shaded perch of its own, keeping a vigilant eye on the leopard. Both animals gradually relaxed, and with the tension easing, it felt like our cue to move on and find some shade ourselves.

Moments like these remind us that the African bush is full of surprises. Even the most experienced ranger can be stunned by the unexpected drama of wildlife—a world where courage, caution, and instinct shape every encounter.

Story and photos by: Ben Scheepers