Steve Bebington

When three territorial males cornered an intruder lion on a riverbank, the stage was set for a dramatic showdown. However, the stakes were raised when some other heavyweights arrived to voice their displeasure.

Rain, one of the most famous cheetahs in South Africa, was known for being an extremely successful mother who helped save the cheetah population in Pilanesberg. She was also an incredible teacher, and today her lessons are being passed down to her grandkids. We received a sighting recently of Rain’s daughter, Tale, making an impala…

A thirsty giraffe chose the wrong place for a drink when a nearby elephant was in no sharing mood. After taking one last sip, the giraffe’s stomach was stabbed open by the charging elephant.

When a pair of lionesses were discovered hiding in the reeds, only one of them was to escape unscathed. Surrounded by a herd of angry buffalo, the unfortunate predator was mercilessly thrown about before succumbing to her injuries.

In another tragedy for Africa’s dwindling rhino population, one of their number was ruthlessly slaughtered by poachers. Its discarded carcass, however, attracted scavengers from far and wide — including a black-backed jackal.

When a herd of cattle came down to the river to drink, it attracted the attention of numerous crocodiles. With this, the stage was set for an exciting series of events.

A female leopard narrowly escaped death or injury when a lioness ambushed it. Suspecting something was amiss, the alert spotted cat’s superior reflexes and agility saved the day.

When his meal started farting, a young male lion’s determined efforts to enjoy some in-pool dining were put to the test. Even his pride mates wanted nothing to do with it.

When a young male baboon discovered a leopard cub, he “adopted” it into an uncertain future. Days later, a similar event far away had a more sinister outcome.

A cheetah’s quick reflexes and superior speed saved it when a leopard tried to ambush it.

Having managed to escape an earlier attack, a kudu calf sought refuge on the patio of a game lodge chalet. However, moments later its attacker arrived to finish the job.

There was confusion in the ranks when a pride of lions discovered a freshwater crab crossing a dry riverbed. The plucky crustacean did an excellent job convincing the apex predators it was not to be messed with.

A tree-dwelling boomslang made a fatal mistake by crossing open ground. A flock of angry birds spotted it and relentlessly pecked it into submission.

While relocating their pups to a new den site, the unthinkable happens to these wild dogs. As the adults were distracted by pestering hyenas, three male lions appeared out of nowhere, surprising all of them, and leaving the baby wild dogs to fend for themselves.

A scrub hare’s efforts to escape proved futile when discovered by a pair of secretarybirds. This, despite the two predatory birds fighting over their intended prey.

Preoccupied with watching a nearby herd of impala, a leopard narrowly escaped being hunted itself. Unbeknown to the leopard, a lion stalked to within a few metres before launching its attack.

A plated lizard barely offered any resistance when a cobra discovered it. As if immobilised by fear, the lizard lay motionless as the snake inspected it, before striking.

When a pack of African wild dogs managed to separate a female Cape buffalo from its herd, a grisly fate awaited. Adding to the gorefest, a massive hernia was targeted in the pack’s efforts to weaken their prey.