This is the amazing moment a heroic hippo saved a gnu from certain death. After being bitten by a crocodile, the large antelope is seen being dragged slowly under the water. But in a miraculous turn of events, a nearby hippo is seen making its way across the water to help the animal in its hour of need.

After chasing the giant crocodile away, the unlikely hero is then seen guarding the creature and even nudges the gnu to the edge of the river in effort to move it out of harm's way. The jaw dropping moment stunned onlookers, including Israeli photographer, Vadim Onishchenko, 34, who managed to capture the rare moment on camera. Captured whilst on safari in Masai Mara in Kenya, the exhausted antelope later managed to escape to safety.

The gnu struggling to get to the bank of the river is dragged back by the crocodile. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

The gnu struggling to get to the bank of the river is dragged back by the crocodile, a hippo is seen strafing both animals. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

The gnu struggling to get to the bank of the river is dragged back by the crocodile, a hippo is seen strafing both animals. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

In its panic the gnu ends up swimming further back into the water, with the crocodile holding on tightly, it is now the hippo begins to intervene. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

Another hippo notices the struggling animal and makes its way through the water. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

Another hippo notices the struggling animal and makes its way through the water. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

The gnu is getting weaker by the second but the hippos are closing in. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

More hippos join and the herd scare away the crocodile as it slips beneath the murky water. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

One of the biggest hippos protects the gnu as it makes its way back to the shoreline, guarding it from any further attacks. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

One of the biggest hippos protects the gnu as it makes its way back to the shoreline, guarding it from any further attacks. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)

One of the biggest hippos is seen guarding the gnu, encouraging it to leave the water. (Photo by Vadim Onishchenko/Caters News)