During a mating session in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, a buffalo made its disapproval known, surprisingly interrupting a pair of lions.
The two big cats were amid their ritual when a nearby buffalo took offense and charged at the male lion, sending him flying backward.
This rare moment was captured by amateur photographer Robert Brookes, 64, who was on safari with his wife Susan.
Brookes shared his account of the event, describing how the lions and buffalo initially seemed to coexist peacefully, though tension was building.
“The buffalo in the back started pushing the others forward, making the male lion more defensive,” Brookes explained.
At first, the lions attempted to move to higher ground to continue their encounter, but the male lion soon felt the buffalo were getting too close. He broke off from the lioness to chase them away.
While several buffalo confronted the lion, only one made solid contact, tossing him into the air. Despite this dramatic moment, Brookes noted that the lion was not hunting for food but protecting the female.
After being thrown several feet, the lion quickly recovered, showing no signs of injury. The buffalo involved in the scuffle also appeared unharmed.
While this happened, three other lionesses from the pride launched an attack on the opposite side of the herd, though the mating male prevented his partner from joining them. Eventually, both lions retreated, and the buffalo continued their journey.
The scene left everyone, including the guides and photographer, momentarily speechless. Brookes reflected on the tension he felt while reviewing his images but was thrilled to have captured such an intense wildlife moment.
This unusual encounter between lions and buffalo offered a rare glimpse into the unpredictable and instinctual nature of wildlife behavior in the heart of South Luangwa National Park.
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