Buffalo Hero Sends Young Lion Flying In The Air

A lion was flipped 16 feet into the air by a buffalo in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The buffalo bull was conducting a daring rescue mission in a bid to save his friend from certain death. Two young lions had been silently stalking the buffalo for about 45 minutes when one finally made its move. But the predator was so focused on bringing down his prey that it left itself open to a surprise attack.

The astonishing images were captured by Ian Matheson, 52, during an early morning game drive with his son Oliver, 16, and two of Oliver's friends in the Mjejane Reserve on the border of the Kruger Park. As soon as one of the juveniles got his hold on the buffalo, the bovine started crying out for help.

As it lay in the grass, with the lion’s teeth firmly embedded in its behind, two of the buffalo’s herdmates came running to its aid. One of them, obviously enraged by the lion’s actions, shoved its horns in the lion’s side, tossing him in the air. The buffalo didn’t wait for the lion to escape and instead went for a second thrust, throwing the cat in the air again, much to the astonishment of the men watching.

Even with all the flipping and tossing, the lion managed to run away. Amazingly all of the animals walked away from the encounter with no major injuries, except perhaps some bruised egos on the lion's part.