Dramatic photographs show how a renegade lion’s pride was wounded when one of his overtures on a lioness spurred her brothers to engage him in a deadly fight.
At the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa, a pack of male lions rushed on the brazen predator known as Jack.
Images depict how Jack approached the female lion, but she was soon encircled by her brothers in a tense standoff.
The group then began to viciously attack him, using their strong jaws and strength to frighten him away. The fight was ferocious, but Jack escaped uninjured.
André Pflaum, 45, captured the incredible moment, saying: ‘After this action, I needed a minute to get over it.
‘A male youngster was not amused that his sister was interested in Jack. The Southern male in charge attacked Jack from behind, whilst Jack was dealing with his son.
‘Jack was chased away because they were too many others and the Southern male in charge was too dominant and experienced.’
André claimed that being so close to the dreadful animals that Jack fought with their aggression frequently makes him afraid.
He said: ‘To sit on an open vehicle, sometimes even without a roof and under a meter away from a big cat, the first time I was really scared.
‘Even on walking safaris, you need to be always alerted and need to show your respect for wildlife.’
Jack was brought into the pack in order to challenge the other lions and introduce new genes.
However, his appearance sparked debate due to Jack’s apparent weaker strength in comparison to others in the area.
Many residents were worried that Jack wouldn’t be able to hunt for food or fend for himself.
Fortunately, Jack has since made contact with the central pride and has formed a strange relationship with a young male.
‘Nomadic lions do have more challenges in getting their food because lions usually hunt in a perfect choreography as a pride,’ said André.