A series of amazing pictures shows how a young wildebeest overcomes the odds to successfully beat off a hungry lioness before submitting to the king of the jungle.
The migration of wildebeest through swirling Kenyan rivers always loses many victims to drowning, but this fawn manages to battle its way across and haul itself through the mud towards safety.
Watch out: The lioness waits patiently as the young wildebeest struggles through the mud
Face off: The wildebeest startles the lioness with an aggressive head-butt
Unfortunately, the youngster’s brave bid for survival has attracted the attention of the lioness who waits patiently on the riverbank for the exhausted fawn to emerge.
But even though the poor wildebeest is on its last legs, he somehow manages to fend off his aggressor with a series of head butts that startle the attacker into retreat.
Backward step: The lioness has second thoughts as the wildebeest prepares to attack again
End game: Despite the wildebeest’s brave efforts, he is no match for the lion
All over: The king of the jungle sinks his teeth into his prey