Gory moment pair of hungry crocodiles devour a zebra foal as it crosses a river during the seasonal ‘Great Migration’ in the Kenyan Serengeti

  • The young zebra was trying to cross a river in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in western Kenya 
  • But a pair of crocodiles, which had been stalking it beneath the water, quickly emerged and latched on to it
  • The poor foal tried its best to flee but it was no match for the strength of the crocodiles' bite
  • Each year more than two million zebra and wildebeest migrate across the plains of Kenya 

By LUKE BARNES FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

It's a moment that reminds you of the terrifying cruelty of life in the wild.

A young zebra was photographed trying to cross a river in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in south western Kenya during the annual 'Great Migration'.

But this fledgling foal was instead set upon by two hungry crocodiles, which had been stalking the pack of zebras under the water.

The terrified foal tries its best to flee to safety but it is no match for the speed and strength of the the two crocodiles, who latch on to the zebra and drag it beneath the surface.

The shocking scene was captured by Ingo Gerlach, 64, who traveled to Africa to see the annual 'Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests. 

Every year, two million of the creatures travel an enormous circuit across the Serengeti Plains as they travel from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara, following the new grass that spouts with rain. 

But their great journey produces plenty of chances for predators to shadow and ensnare their prey, as seen with these crocodiles.  

The foal can be seen in the centre, trying to keep up with the more powerful, adult zebras as they swim across the river 

The foal can be seen in the centre, trying to keep up with the more powerful, adult zebras as they swim across the river 

But two crocodiles, which had been lurking beneath the water, latched on to the foal with their huge jaws. Crocodiles are said to have the strongest bites in the entirety of the animal kingdom 

But two crocodiles, which had been lurking beneath the water, latched on to the foal with their huge jaws. Crocodiles are said to have the strongest bites in the entirety of the animal kingdom 

The foal screams out for help but the rest of the herd continues on, unable to do anything to help the stricken youngster while in the water 

The foal screams out for help but the rest of the herd continues on, unable to do anything to help the stricken youngster while in the water 

Crocodiles slam their jaws shut with 3,700 pounds per square inch of pressure, which according to scientists is enough to rival even the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex

Crocodiles slam their jaws shut with 3,700 pounds per square inch of pressure, which according to scientists is enough to rival even the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex

The foal makes a final effort in vain to swim away back to the heard, but the crocodiles are still latched on, slowly bleeding the young animal 

The foal makes a final effort in vain to swim away back to the heard, but the crocodiles are still latched on, slowly bleeding the young animal 

The shocking scene was captured by Ingo Gerlach, 64, who traveled to Africa to see the annual 'Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests

The shocking scene was captured by Ingo Gerlach, 64, who traveled to Africa to see the annual 'Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests

Eventually the young zebra keels over, and the crocodiles enjoy their feast for the day 

Eventually the young zebra keels over, and the crocodiles enjoy their feast for the day 

Every year more than two million zebras migrate across the plains of the Serengeti, which creates ample opportunity for predators like these crocodiles. 

Every year more than two million zebras migrate across the plains of the Serengeti, which creates ample opportunity for predators like these crocodiles. 

 

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