The extraordinary scene was captured by photography student Casey Gutteridge at the Santago Rare Leopard Project in Hertfordshire.
The 19-year-old who was photographing the leopard for a course project, was astounded by the mouse's behavior.
He said "I have no idea where the mouse came from - he just appeared in the enclosure after the keeper had dropped in the meat for the leopard.
"He didn't take any notice of the leopard, just went straight over to the meat and started feeding himself.
"But the leopard was pretty surprised - she bent down and sniffed the mouse and flinched a bit like she was scared.
"In the meantime the mouse just carried on eating like nothing had happened....but even a gentle shove does not deter the little creature
from getting his fill...
"It was amazing, even the keeper who had thrown the meat into the enclosure was shocked - he said he'd never seen anything like it before."
Project owner Jackie James added "It was so funny to see - Sheena batted the mouse a couple of times to try to get it away from her food. But the determined little thing took no notice and just carried on."
.....so the mouse continued to eat the leopard's lunch and show the leopard who was the boss.
Just proves no one can push you around without your permission.
(Of course, if you plan on eating a leopard's lunch be prepared to become said leopard's lunch, as I'm sure that would be my luck!) Just sayin'....
