Wildlife photographer Lee Whittam was observing lions last December in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, when he captured the incredible moment the lioness clawed the lion’s tongue.

She had been whipping into a jealous rage after a neighbouring in-season lioness called to the lion, and was trying to stop him from crossing over to her.

But the male shook off her desperate attempts, crossing a channel of water to find the other female that was calling him.


Don’t you dare: The lioness catches the lion by his tongue as he tries to make his way to visit a neighbouring lioness in Botswana


You can almost see the hairs of the male’s mane being blown back as the lioness roars her displeasure at him


For a brief moment, the male almost appears contrite – but he quickly got over that, succeeding in his efforts to reach the other female