Heron Killed by Lions at Amsterdam Zoo

The long-legged freshwater bird would make a tasty side dish for any predatory big cat and the lion was well aware of this. After sneaking up on the lamentable bird the lion had to leap into the air to capture its prey. The heron had taken flight but the sharp instinct of the lion was too quick for the big bird, reports the Telegraph.

The mid-afternoon snack was quickly removed from the lion when other members of the pride hassled and quibbled for a slice of bird pie. Eventually one of the younger members of the pride stole the accidental lunch, reports 9News.

A zoo spokesman a told Dutch news agency, "It happens often, there are many birds flying around." A similar incident happened in the same zoo and same enclosure about three-and-a-half years ago and was captured on a camera phone video.

Lions roaming the wild plains of the African Savannah would not see a heron. However the big cat's killer instincts know when a tasty meal turns up on its doorstep.