The first time this unsuspecting warthog walked into a lion’s den it had a lucky escape. But he foolishly walked back into the den… Check out the amazing pics.
Sussing out the competition … The warthog and the lion size each other up. Picture: Picture Media
These stunning photos capture the moment in nature when a warthog stepped into the path of a hungry lion – and became its prey.
As the warthog steps into the lion’s den, the lion leaps with brute force and captures the wild pig.
The lion then proceeds to devour the animal – proving his status as top of the animal food chain.
These incredible images were caught on camera by photographer Dr Trix Jonker, at the Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Trix, 57, from Bloemfontein in the Free State province of South Africa, explained how the warthog had a lucky escape first of all, but foolishly walked back into the lion’s den and this time was no so lucky.
Trix revealed she almost missed this stunning moment in nature but managed to capture the action at the perfect minute.
Epic battle … As the warthog steps into the lion’s den, the lion leaps with brute force and captures the wild pig. Picture: Picture Media
She said: “It was getting late and the gates were closing in an hour. I looked away and when I looked back I saw the warthog coming straight towards some resting lions.
“The poor unsuspecting warthog did not spot the lions at all and she disappeared behind a bush where a lion was lying, and it was taken by surprise.
Trix revealed the warthog first had a lucky escape after it accidentally woke a sleeping lioness and startled her so she didn’t attack.
But Trix couldn’t believe her eyes when the same warthog went back into the lion’s den.
Trix said: “After the warthog escaped, I thought the action was over. But the warthog went back in a circle and went back on the same path as before, straight back into the lions.
“By this time, a male lion had woken up and was sat up straight trying to see what the commotion was.
“He saw the warthog coming and went straight into the attack position. This was when I had my camera poised as I knew this time something was going to happen.
Attack… The battle between the warthog and lion heats up. Picture: Picture Media
Trix explained how the lion caught the warthog completely by surprise.
She said: “At one stage there was only this big dust cloud and I could not see what was happening.
“Then when the dust cleared and I saw the lion holding the warthog between his front paws and looking straight at me.
“He stayed like that for quite a while then lifted the warthog into the air and started dragging her away.”
Trix caught the six minute battle between lion and warthog and camera and despite escaping the first time, the lion ended up enjoying a warthog dinner.
Trix said: “I couldn’t believe how tough the warthog was, and was absolutely stunned by what I saw that afternoon. It’s amazing I managed to capture it on camera.”