In the animal kingdom, lions are renowned as the “king of the jungle,” symbolizing power and strength. Yet, an unexpected adversary recently drove an entire pride of 15 lions to seek refuge in an unusual place – up a tree.

A remarkable series of photographs captured by Australian photographer Bobby-Jo Clow reveals the extraordinary sight of a pride of lions perched precariously on tree branches in the central Serengeti of Tanzania.

What forced these majestic creatures to abandon the ground and retreat to the heights? Surprisingly, it wasn’t a formidable predator but a nuisance of flies.

Bobby-Jo stumbled upon this scene during a safari expedition, where the tree provided a sanctuary from the relentless swarm of ground flies.

The pride sought shade and safety amidst the branches, creating a surreal image against the Serengeti backdrop.

Describing the encounter, Bobby-Jo, 32, recounted, “Our guide spotted the pride in the trees, and luckily, we were able to get close enough to capture some unique images. We observed their interactions, even hearing some snoring amidst the branches.”

The lions ‘ respite was not entirely peaceful despite being around 15 feet above ground level. Flies persisted, buzzing around their heads, prompting them to seek higher-up refuge.

Bobby-Jo explained, “Our guide informed us that recent rains had led to tall grass, creating ideal insect conditions. Lions often climb trees to evade such pests.”

Although space was limited, the tree became a temporary haven for the pride, with the most comfortable spots quickly claimed.

Even the alpha male, typically asserting dominance, found himself unwelcome as he attempted to join the females and cubs on the branches.

In this unexpected scenario, the “king of the jungle” found solace and safety from a seemingly inconsequential foe, showcasing the adaptability and resourcefulness of these remarkable creatures.