Among the many clever dog tricks out there, playing dead is the most common.
But one dog nailed the miming act to perfection, even without an owner barking out commands.
Instead, this wild dog performed its greatest act and saved its own life.
The award for best performance by a painted dog goes to this canine, whose body went limp to deceive a lioness that thought supper time was near.
Wild Dog Plays Dead To Escape Lionwww.youtube.com
A safari at Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe captured footage of a lioness sneaking up on a pack of African wild dogs—also known as painted hunting dogs—feasting on a dead kudu.
According to Kruger Sightings, tourists were shocked to witness the lioness pouncing on one of the dogs without warning.
The YouTube wildlife channel wrote in their video's description:
"The lioness held onto the wild dog for a long time which seemed lifeless in her grip and many already believed it was already dead, as it stayed completely still."
The lioness dropped its captive and went after a new prey, when another dog from the pack came into her view .
The dog that guests had previously assumed was dead suddenly sprang to life and made his escape.
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
"The guests were very relieved at this and were amazed to see how the wild dog was able to pretend to be dead for so long," wrote Kruger Sightings.
People were impressed by the dog's convincing performance.
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Rest assured, the method actor named "Notch," who is the alpha of the "Kennedy pack," is fine and "seemingly healthy."
The second dog attacked was not identified, but Kruger Sightings confirmed it too had survived.
Calvet, the 49-year-old African Bush Camps' guide who led the bewildered guests, said the scenario was something he has never seen in his ten years working at the national park.
His advice to future guests who may witness a similar attack was for them to "keep an eye out for the underdog and to never underestimate wild dogs!"
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
The animal kingdom is truly a wonder.
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Reviews of the convincing act were in.
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Kruger Sightings/YouTube
Notch was unable to deliver an acceptance speech for his limp performance at this time, but he thanks us for watching.
@lpeterp/Bluesky
@FPWellman/X
@bobsbeatgmail.com5/Threads