The lion was mating with his lioness in full view of a small herd of buffalo, when one decided enough was enough and charged at the big cat sending it flying backwards
No sex please: A lion leaps into the air to avoid being gored by an angry buffalo who wasn’t happy about him mating with a lioness directly in front of the herd
Stand off: The buffalo confronts the lion after interrupting the amorous moment
No backing down: The two animals square off as the buffalo prepares to strike
King of the jungle: The lion rises onto its hind legs and flashes its teeth as the buffalo looks ready to charge
While this was happening, three lioness from the same pride decided to make a more serious attack at the other end of the herd.
Are you fighting over me? The lioness watches on as her mate prepares to take on the buffalo
Near miss: The buffalo charges at the big cat which manages to deflect it with its paws narrowly escaping a goring
Contact: The powerful buffalo manages to butt the lion in his midriff, sending him flying backwards
Rumble in the jungle: The lion manages to keep the buffalo at bay, fending it off with its paw
The action was captured by amateur photographer Robert Brookes who was on safari in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chivalrous: According to the photographer, the male lion had no intention of attacking for food but appeared to be protecting the female