Take a closer look at nature’s ultimate hunters: these striking photos capture the raw power and ferocity of the world’s most formidable big cats.
From razor-sharp claws to piercing eyes and breath-taking speed, each image showcases just what makes lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards and jaguars masters of their domain.
African lion with an African elephant calf kill in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Lions rarely hunt elephants due to their immense size and strength. Calves, however, can be vulnerable if separated from the herd. Credit: Getty ImagesA male cheetah attempts to bring down a topi antelope in the Maasai Mara. Credit: Getty ImagesA lioness attacks a kudu in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Once she brings the kudu down, the rest of the pride will join to feed. Credit: Getty ImagesA leopard carries her topi kill up a tree in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. It's classic behaviour that protects the meal from scavengers, such as hyenas and lions. Credit: Getty ImagesLions often target wildebeest during their migrations, using bursts of speed and strength to bring down these large animals. Credit: Getty Images
Unlike cheetahs hunting on their own, groups can tackle larger, faster prey by working together. Here, four brothers take down a topi antelope. Credit: Getty ImagesA caiman thrashes as a jaguar seizes it in a river in Brazil’s Pantanal region. Jaguars are powerful swimmers and often hunt in water. Credit: Getty ImagesJoining forces, two male lions take down an adult giraffe from the back. Although lions are powerful predators, giraffes are not typical prey – their size, height and powerful kicks make them dangerous to hunt. Credit: Getty ImagesA wild male tiger kills a domestic cow in Ranthambore National Park, India. Credit: Getty ImagesA lioness takes down a zebra on the open plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Zebras are challenging prey – fast, powerful and capable of delivering dangerous kicks. Credit: Getty ImagesA cheetah ambushes its prey in the Maasai Mara. Credit: Getty Images
