Leonard

Leonard the Lion relaxed in the shade of a large tree in the heart of the savanna. There he stayed most of the day in complete complacency, the gentle wind brushing against his enormous mane. The docile creature seemed innocuous with large whiskers, a triangular nose, and the other characteristic feline features.

He was almost cute like a big teddy bear if his formidable yawn didn't reveal the large, sharp canines spaced ideally to penetrate vertebrae of delectable morsels, severing their spinal cord. His fuzzy chin returned to his nose and he licked his chops, squinting slightly. You would hardly guess he was watching a substantial herd of wildebeest drawing near. His mouth was watering already.

Leonard quietly observed the lionesses in the pride deftly surround and attack the prey. He knew they were more than capable, and was spared any responsibility in the matter despite his aggressive inclinations. Perhaps if it were giraffe or buffalo his services would be needed. For now he sat an idle observer, imagining the satisfaction of the hunt.

He watched Leona pounce upon one of the hysterical horned beasts, wrestling it to the ground in a cloud of dust. He casually sat up to get a better view over the flowing grass. He couldn't tell if it was a kill, but he had reason to suspect it was. She came through often, a clever predator. Still, the sight had the effect of sparking the inevitable blood lust that comes along with the rewarding strangulation process. He wanted to feel the life drain from the animal himself.

Suddenly a stampeding warthog emerged from the prairie in front of him. Wound up from the thrill of the events unfolding, Leonard instinctively pounced, restraining the prey in his jaw and then snapped its neck with a single shake. The creature hung lifeless from his bloody grip as he carried the delicacy back to his shaded observatory.

He tore the first warm chunk of meat from the fresh corpse and sat tall to watch the coordinated hunt ensue. For now, bacon would be a delectable appetizer.