This is the incredible moment a zebra sunk its teeth into a crocodile’s throat, reversing the predator’s attack on a herd crossing a river in Kenya.
Despite being trapped in the jaws of the beastly reptile, the zebra managed to defend itself successfully.
One image showed several crocodiles lying in wait in the water as the zebra herd passed by, and another captured the moment the crocodile leaped out of the water in an attempt to catch the zebra.
The most shocking moment in the series, however, shows the zebra biting the crocodile in the throat before the predator recoiled in pain, allowing the zebra to escape the Mara River in the Maasai Mara and reach the safety of dry land.
Other members of its herd, however, were not so fortunate, with images showing the black and white stripes of some of the animals disappearing into the river amid a writhing of water, scales, and teeth.
The stunning photographs of the rare moment were taken by Nairobi, Kenya-based photographer Robert Ndawuasa Sayialel, 39. He was only 60 feet away from the tense battle for life and death.
‘This is probably one of my best wildlife photos I’ve ever taken; it was epic, and I felt privileged to witness it,’ Robert said. ‘This zebra did not go down without a fight, as it tried to fight the crocodile by any means necessary.
‘It shoved the crocodile with its head and managed to bite the attacker until the crocodile retreated.
‘It was exhilarating to be in the front seat of such a natural wild spectacle, filled with mixed emotions, really watching it all unfold right before my eyes.’
Robert described how he came to take the incredible sequence. ‘As I was driving along the river, I noticed a herd of Zebras on the other side of the river,’ he explained.
‘Seeing and capturing animals crossing this crocodile-infested river is a waiting game that requires patience. I watched as the Zebras approached the river’s edge with caution, clearly aware of the presence of crocodiles.
‘A small splash in the water sent them fleeing to safety. When the urge to cross becomes too strong, it only takes one brave zebra to make the first move, and the rest will follow.
‘This is what the crocodiles were waiting for, a disturbance in the river, and suddenly a dozen of them moved towards the crossing zebras.
‘Some kicked and jumped to avoid the crocodiles’ wide gaping mouths as they tried to grab one of them.
‘Zebras are notorious for their vicious back kicks and biting. ‘Almost everyone who sees the sequence of these photos is astounded by the zebras’ determination to survive and fight by any means necessary.’
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