KLASERIE GAME RESERVE — It’s hard not to root for the underdog, especially when they’re outnumbered by a pride of lions.

In a captivating video filmed at South Africa’s Klaserie Game Reserve and shot by safari guide Francois Pienaar, a gentle giraffe is seen trying to fight off a group of the hungry and relentless predators. One particularly determined lion hangs off the giraffe’s back, paws and teeth digging mercilessly into its neck, while several other lions hold on to the giraffe’s back legs.

According to Pienaar, who spoke with LatestSightings.com, the safari group set out on an early morning game drive when they came across a pride of sleeping lions. “My guests and I were watching them sleep, never expecting I was about to see the best sighting in my guiding career,” she said.

After waking from their nap, the pride started moving and soon spotted the “very old giraffe bull”. The group watched the lions stalk the giraffe; after about 20 minutes, the pride made their move.

The battle, said Pienaar, lasted five exhausting hours. Remarkably, the giraffe managed to escape by stomping on the lions.

Let’s hear it for the underdog!