Maasai Mara’s Twist: Waterbuck Defends Against Lioness, Reversing Roles in Intense Standoff for Survival

She spotted a waterbuck bathing in the cool water and deciding he was going to make an easy meal, she edged her way up to the side of the pond.

Time for tea: When the African lioness spotted a waterbuck bathing in the cool water, she decided he was going to make an easy meal, and edged her way up to the side of the pond

Bravado: A stony stand-off ensued, with both animals staring at each other, refusing to budge. The suddenly he decided to pounce and charged at the lioness, with his lethal horns first

A stony stand-off ensued, with both animals staring at each other, refusing to budge – the lioness bared her teeth, but the waterbuck put forward his horns.

Suddenly he decided to pounce and charged at the Lioness, with his lethal horns first.

Scaredy cat: With a split-second pause, she whipped around and sprinted up the grassy bank to safety – although she was lucky not to have been caught on his antlers which can reach up to 40 inches (101cm)

I’ll show you: The waterbuck is generally a quiet and sedentary animal, although males do compete for and hold territories as this shaggy-haired animal showed

Standing his ground: After the African Lioness beat a hasty retreat, the defiant waterbuck stayed in the water