A group of wildebeest were enjoying a waterhole when a hungry crocodile that was looking for meal suddenly surfaced from the water. The astounding video was shot while on a safari with Chasin’ Africa in the Kruger National Park of South Africa. The unexpected interaction highlights how imminent danger appears to be for wild animals at all times.

Unaware of its surroundings, the wildebeest was sipping water when the croc leapt out of the water and seized one of the animals, sending the rest running. A second crocodile quickly closed in on one of the wildebeest’s back legs as the ravenous predator dragged the struggling animal into the water with its head clamped between its formidable jaws. If these unlikely heroes hadn’t stepped in, the unfortunate sufferer would have probably drowned to death.

In a twist of fate, a pod of hippos that had been watching the scene from land charged in and quickly surrounded the thrashing trio. For a moment, it was unclear whether they were looking to get in on the action, but the hippos attacked the crocodiles, forcing them to release their grip on the wildebeest.

After a long battle, the wildebeest miraculously managed to escape as the hippos kept a watchful eye. However, it was clear from the way it limped back onto land that the animal was badly injured and unlikely to survive for much longer in the wild.

“It was exciting to watch in the beginning but then a deep sense of sadness overcame everyone,” said Chase. “Nature can be cruel, but the circle of life must go on.”