In the 1800s, when blood sports were more socially acceptable, the term “Big Five” was coined to refer to the lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard — the animals that trophy hunters in Africa considered the most dangerous to hunt on foot.In the 1800s, when blood sports were more socially acceptable, the term “Big Five” was coined to refer to the lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard — the animals that trophy hunters in Africa considered the most dangerous to hunt on foot.