We were all taught things about animals at school that we were able to recite perfectly.
An octopus has 8 tentacles and the cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world… but do you know how the lemur got its name? Or why a flamingo stands on one leg?
There’s an abundance of fascinating facts about the animal kingdom!
Take for example the lion – Lions are often thought of as ferocious predators; the “King of the Jungle.” They have a mysterious, majestic air to them that draws people in (usually to see them at a zoo or, if you’re lucky, on a wildlife safari.)
The “King of the Jungle” is at the top of the food chain and inspires fear in many animals. Lions hunt in packs, requiring much organization and cooperation.
So when a wildlife photographer witnessed a lioness approache an injuured baby fox, he was certain that the little animal’s fate was sealed.
But the situation didn’t end as we expected…
It all started with a leading female lion walked up to an injured little fox that lay on the road in her herd’s territory.
This particular breed of fox is often hunted by larger predators… you can only imagine how afraid the fox was facing the King of the Jungle.
Things didn’t get better when the male lion came to investigate… he probably saw the little fox as prey.
And then more company arrived. Several curious little lion cubs also approached to investigate the situation.
“When we arrived, there were several lions surrounding a baby fox, who apparently had injured her spine – she had difficulty to stand on its hind legs,” nature photographer Graham Dyer told Barcroft TV.
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Male lions don’t often participate in lions’ hunt, but this male decided to make an attempt at the fox.
It prepared to swallow it in a single bite (as you can imagine)
But that’s when the female’s maternal instinct hit with full force.
She stood between them, protecting the fox.
Despite the larger lion’s persistence and threatening demeanor toward her, she refused to leave the fox’s side.
And showed him just how serious she was!
The male lion was anything but pleased, but he left the fox alone.
The brave lioness returned to her cubs and the fox wandered off, away from the road – to safety.
See After: She Stares Into The Eyes Of A Dying Dog. What Follows Seconds Later Is A Miracle!
This story is really evidence that maternal instinct is strong- even in animals!
Please share this incredible story with all animal lovers you know on Facebook, so that more people can discover the amazing animal kingdom.