You’ve heard the one about the hare and the tortoise. Well now, it seems, the tough-shelled animals are getting the better of lions too.
A peckish lioness spent minutes trying to crack open this tortoise after stumbling across it in a South African reserve.
But the proud predator finally had to admit defeat – and her companion was so disillusioned he didn’t even bother to have a go.
After the disappointed pair ambled away, the tortoise cautiously emerged from its shell and plodded off, apparently none the worse for wear.
Shell-shocked: A peckish lioness spent minutes trying to crack open this tortoise after stumbling across it in a South African reserve
A little help? The proud predator’s mighty talons and razor-sharp teeth met their unsuspecting match with the tortoise’s hardened exterior
Baffled: The disappointed lioness eventually admitted defeat, turned its back on the tiny creature and ambled away to her companion
Slow and steady wins the race: This savvy tortoise emerged out of its shell and scuttled off after outwitting the two hungry lions