
This unsuspecting giraffe got more than it bargained for when it took a drink from a watering hole.

Pictures show the animal drinking from the pool when it lifts it head up and seemingly lets out a massive sneeze - squirting all water out in the process.

The moment was captured by professional photographer Charlie Lynam in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A giraffe bends down to take a drink from a water pool as temperatures reach 40 degrees in Kruger National Park in South Africa and a baboon is pictured in the distance

The unsuspecting giraffe got more than it bargained for when a bird flew near to its ear as it took a drink from the stream in South Africa

As the animal lifts its head up from the water it seemingly let out a massive sneeze spraying water everywhere as the small bird flies away

As temperatures were touching 40 degrees - Charlie, from Liverpool, decided to ditch the game drive and sit by a water hole, hoping to observe some wildlife.

What might look like a sneeze, however, was actually the giraffe's nervous reaction to a baboon who scared it by making a loud noise.

Giraffes are extremely vulnerable whilst drinking as they have to get down into a crouching position. This means getting up quick in the event of danger is not easy.

He said: 'There had been a few giraffes that turned up. When they left, a very cautious giraffe approached the waterhole and took an age to eventually bend down to drink.

'The steady stream of baboons that drank and passed by the waterhole only added to the giraffe's nervousness.

'I knew that if the giraffe is distributed, there is a reasonable chance of getting an action shot.

'The giraffe was spooked and jerked his head up suddenly to see what the commotion was about.

'I think the end result did the giraffe justice, it's quite a class and a moment to cherish.'

The images were captured by professional photographer Charlie Lynam, from Liverpool, who decided to observe the wildlife in the national park. The giraffe is pictured crouching down as it goes to take a drink