10 of the Best Bodyguards in the Animal Kingdom

Credit: Google Images

With massive size, powerful tusks, and tight-knit family groups, elephants fiercely defend calves and herd members from predators like lions.

Credit: Google Images

African Elephant

Notorious for its fearlessness and tough skin, the honey badger will defend itself against much larger predators and resist venom.

Credit: Google Images

Honey Badger 

Often called “Black Death,” buffalo move in herds that mob predators; if one member is threatened, others will turn and aggressively drive lions away.

Credit: Google Images

Cape Buffalo

Apex predators with enormous strength and size, polar bears also defend their cubs ferociously against other bears and predators.

Credit: Google Images

Polar Bear

The dominant male protector of a gorilla troop, silverbacks use size, strength, and intimidating displays to keep their group safe.

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Silverback Gorilla

In meerkat mobs, sentinels stand watch and issue alarm calls at the first sign of danger, giving the group a critical early warning system.

Credit: Google Images

Meerkat Sentinels

At the nest entrance, guard bees inspect visitors and defend the hive with coordinated stings, sacrificing themselves to protect the colony.

Credit: Google Images

Honey Bee Colony (Guard Bees)

Soldier termites with powerful jaws defend the colony’s tunnels and queen against ants and other invaders.

Credit: Google Images

Swarming Termites (Soldier Castes)

The goby fish keeps watch for danger while the pistol shrimp digs a burrow; the shrimp retreats with the goby’s warning flicks — a mutual “bodyguard” arrangement.

Credit: Google Images

Pistol Shrimp and Goby Partnership