A powerful hippopotamus defied the odds when a pride of lions attempted to ambush it, managing to break free and drive the predators away in a dramatic encounter.
Captured by French photographers Laurent Renaud and Dominique Haution, the intense scene occurred on the plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
The images show a group of lionesses stealthily approaching a lone hippo, hoping to turn the large mammal into their next meal.
However, instead of becoming prey, the hippo fought back, sending the lions retreating in fear. The massive animal loudly bellowed, successfully intimidating the pride after fending off their attack.
One of the lionesses leaped at the hippo from behind in a swift and aggressive move, trying to sink her teeth into its back. Soon after, three more lionesses joined the attack, surrounding the hippo and forcing it into a ditch.
At one point, the hippo seemed perilous, with the lions gaining ground. A male lion circled cautiously while two lionesses pounced, attempting to overpower the struggling animal.
The situation grew tense as the hippo got stuck in the muddy ditch with four lionesses on its back.
But the tide quickly turned. The hippo fought back fiercely, baring its teeth and shaking off its attackers.
Startled by the unexpected resistance, the lions fled to the safety of the grasslands, leaving the victorious hippo standing its ground. In an impressive show of strength, the hippo even chased after the retreating predators.
Reflecting on the encounter, Ms. Haution said, “We first discovered Kenya in 1982 and have returned yearly to photograph African wildlife.”
Ultimately, the hippo triumphed, snarling defiantly at the camera after surviving the dangerous confrontation.
The massive animal, desperate to escape the relentless lions, powered through thick mud and emerged victorious against overwhelming odds.
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