This wildebeest calf was no match for a powerful lioness in Zimbabwe as the hunter stalked its prey for an hour before pouncing.

After creeping up on her dinner, the big cat waited for the wildebeest to let his guard down and as soon as he started licking himself, she launched her attack.

The startled calf was unable to react to the warning cries of his herd and ended up running straight into the path of the lioness.

After creeping up on her dinner, the big cat waited for the wildebeest to let his guard down and as soon as he started licking himself, she launched her attack

The startled calf was unable to react to the warning cries of his herd and ended up running straight into the path of the lioness

Amateur photographer Michael Viljoen, 57, captured the moment the lioness pounced and killed her prey in a matter of seconds

Amateur photographer Michael Viljoen, 57, captured the moment the lioness pounced and killed her prey in a matter of seconds.

Travelling in Zimbabwe with his wife, Michael followed the lioness in a safari vehicle for hours before the lioness had a chance to catch her dinner.

‘We could see the lioness was hunting and followed her. Eventually she spotted the wildebeest and stalked as far as cover allowed her,’ he said.

‘I don’t think there was any danger to us, but the wildebeest was in harm’s way and the lioness was very focused.

‘The lioness was on her own – we suspected she had cubs.

‘She stayed in the same position for more than an hour until this young wildebeest turned around to lick itself and that was her opportunity.

‘When the lioness started her attack, the wildebeest was busy licking himself and dropped his guard only for a split second.

‘It was taken unawares – the other wildebeest made alarm calls when the lioness started her run and the wildebeest just started running – unfortunately in the wrong direction.

‘The lioness accelerated very quickly and when the wildebeest became aware of the danger it was too late and he basically ran into her arms. It was over very quickly.

‘The wildebeest was no match for the lion and was pulled down almost instantly.’

This wildebeest calf was no match for a powerful lioness in Zimbabwe as the hunter stalked its prey for an hour before pouncing

Travelling in Zimbabwe with his wife, Michael followed the lioness in a safari vehicle for hours before the lioness had a chance to catch her dinner

‘It was taken unawares – the other wildebeest made alarm calls when the lioness started her run and the wildebeest just started running – unfortunately in the wrong direction,’ said Michael

Originally a property developer from South Africa, Michael has sold his house and now travels around Africa helping conservation efforts and pursuing his passion for photography.

He said: ‘I am a property developer but my heart has always been in the bush and as I get older this is where I want to focus my attention.

‘I want to do what I can to help conservation efforts, especially in southern Africa, as wild places are under serious threat because of a rapidly increasing human population hungry for resources.’

When he captured these images, Michael was only 50 metres away from the action.

He said: ‘Lots of patience was needed to get these photos as we sat in the hot sun on an open vehicle for hours. I checked camera settings a hundred times while waiting for something to happen.’

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