This prudish buffalo was none too impressed by a pair of amorous lions after they began mating directly in front of him, as these incredible pictures show.
The lion was mating with his lioness in full view of a small herd of buffalo, when one decided enough was enough and charged at the big cat sending it flying backwards
The extraordinary pictures were captured by Kendal-based amateur photographer Robert Brookes, 64, who was on safari in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, with wife Susan.
No sex please: A lion leaps into the air to avoid being gored by an angry buffalo who wasn’t happy about him mating with a lioness directly in front of the herd
‘Neither side appeared overly aggressive initially but the buffalo at the back began to edge the front runners forward which crowded the lions somewhat, causing the male to adopt a more aggressive stance,’ Brookes said.
At first both lion and lioness retreated to slightly higher ground to try and continue their steamy session, but eventually the male decided the buffalo were getting too close and broke off to shoo them away.
‘Several buffalo confronted the male but only one actually made serious contact and this resulted in the male lion being tossed into the air.
‘The male lion had no intention of attacking for food but appeared to be protecting the female.
‘The lion was lifted into the air and knocked several feet backwards before both sides decided they had had enough and gave up.
‘Surprisingly the male who received the blow from the buffalo seemed entirely unhurt, we could see no obvious signs of damage, nor did any of the buffalo struck by the male lion show any signs of injury.’
Stand off: The buffalo confronts the lion after interrupting the amorous moment
No backing down: The two animals square off as the buffalo prepares to strike
King of the jungle: The lion rises onto its hind legs and flashes its teeth as the buffalo looks ready to charge
While this was happening, three lioness from the same pride decided to make a more serious attack at the other end of the herd.
However, the male wouldn’t allow the mating female to join in the attack, so the two lions retreated to higher ground and the buffalo continued on their way.
‘The whole thing was followed by several minutes of stunned silence on our part and also on the part of our guides who, very quietly, asked if we got the photographs,’ Brookes added.
‘I admit to a real feeling of trepidation as I ran through them on the back of the camera but we did get them and they have to be some of the most exciting and satisfying photos we’ve ever taken.’
Are you fighting over me? The lioness watches on as her mate prepares to take on the buffalo
Near miss: The buffalo charges at the big cat which manages to deflect it with its paws narrowly escaping a goring
Contact: The powerful buffalo manages to butt the lion in his midriff, sending him flying backwards
Rumble in the jungle: The lion manages to keep the buffalo at bay, fending it off with its paw
The action was captured by amateur photographer Robert Brookes who was on safari in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chivalrous: According to the photographer, the male lion had no intention of attacking for food but appeared to be protecting the female