WE’VE ALL DONE that thing where we unexpectedly catch a glimpse of ourselves in a mirror and have to do a double-take.

French photographer Xavier Hubert-Brierre wanted to see how animals would react if they saw themselves in a mirror in the wild.

He and his wife set up mirrors in several locations in Gabon to capture animals as they walked by.

Some of the animals are baffled, others are antagonised – at least one leopard tries to attack the mirror – while others seem to think it’s the funniest thing they’ve ever seen.

The video has already racked up more than 16 million views on YouTube since it was posted.

Caters TV / YouTube

More ways to take a break:

Check out these Irish guys’ brilliant bunkbed challenge fail >

Watch as this student gives the emotional speech he was banned from giving >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More