THIS is the incredible moment a zebra is swallowed whole by a monster crocodile.

       The shocking snap is one of 10 jaw-dropping scenes selected for a wildlife photography contest showcasing Kenya's serene Maasai Mara savannahs.

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       A photographer captured the moment a croc snaps its jaws on a whole zebra Credit: mediadrumimages.com/MarkvanKints

       In the pic, the huge reptile pokes its jaws out of the water with an entire bloodied zebra in its mouth moments before the animal's certain death.

       The waters are stained red and the zebra appears to kick its hooves and waggle its head in a last desperate attempt to break free.

       How the zebra was lured off land into the waters by the croc is unknown but it's safe to say it didn't stand a chance.

       The winning image from the action-packed competition series shows a similarly hopeless scenario where a lion pounces on a young hippopotamus.

       The lion is about the tear its teeth into the hippo's chest as photographer Harry Collins snaps his shutter.

       Another stunning photograph of the top 10 contenders of The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographers of the Year shows a lioness chasing a running wildebeest.

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       Competition winner Mr Collins scooped $10,000 (￡8,500) and a five-night safari when the prize was announced yesterday.

       Judge Adam Bannister said of the winning shot: "This is one of those sightings and images, that makes you stop in your tracks – you stare at it for ages and can literally feel the power, tension, struggle and emotion. A truly remarkable image."

       The Photographer of The Year was decided from among fifty finalists.

       “The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographers of the Year competition was started to raise funds for boots-on-the-ground conservation initiatives,” said the competition runners.

       “The best entries of each year will be exhibited at events across the globe raising further awareness of the Maasai Mara along with the incredible photographers who have captured it.”

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       A hippo's last moments captured as a lion digs his teeth into its chest Credit: mediadrumimages.com/HarryCollins 10

       A lioness chases after a wildebeest Credit: mediadrumimages.com/PaoloTorchio 10

       A lion and a wildebeest are neck and neck in fight to the death Credit: mediadrumimages.com/AlistairSmit 10

       A herd of a species of antelope called Topi graze in the mist Credit: mediadrumimages.com/RizJiwa 10

       A trio of cheetahs claim a rock in the grasslands authoritatively Credit: mediadrumimages.com/PaoloTorchio 10

       This stunning shot shows two elephants up close in minute detail Credit: mediadrumimages.com/RodneyBursie 10

       Three impalas stand guard over the herd during a rainstorm Credit: mediadrumimages.com/IvanGlaser 10

       And in a more heart-warming shot, a female and male lion nuzzle up Credit: mediadrumimages.com/PhilippeHenr 10

       Two giraffes in the rain were captured using the diffraction of light from a car window with an adapted lens Credit: mediadrumimages.com/JoseFragozo

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