Big Predator Cat Befriends Impala In Wilderness

The wild wild world outside our door is full of wonders. You can’t predict someone’s actions any more than you can predict the weather. It just doesn’t happen. The inner workings of the mind are off limits to us humans, and this applies to anything walking and breathing on this earth.Show more

That is why this footage is so precious. Most impalas run for their lives at the sight of a leopard - but this plucky youngster seems determined to befriend one. It shows no fear and it braves the wrath of the fierce cat.

The bizarre interaction filmed in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, sees the baby animal nuzzling the killer cat's nose and mouth as it lazes in a clearing. And even when the leopard starts playing a little rough, the newborn makes no attempt to leave - and even follows it around. If we’d have anything to compare it to, we’d say that it looks as though these two are acting like two siblings. The older brother isn’t too fond of its little sister’s pestering and is quite vocal about it, but the youngster is having none of it. Friendships like this one are very far and inbetween in the wilderness, making this footage very precious. The encounter was filmed by game ranger Estiaan Houy, 31, while out on safari with British and American guests. Don’t you just wish you’d have been there witnessing this first-hand? Absolutely breathtaking!