Lioness in Kopje Formation
This lioness found an unusual kopje formation that enabled her to rest in the shade and sleep, or survey the ground below. (A kopje is an upthrusting of rock occurring millions of years ago. They may be very small, or larger than a city block). Naturally, we called her a 'Kopje Cat'. i.e., 'Copy Cat', get it?. [Soit Ngum, Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lions, Topi and an Airplane
Lions, Topi, and an airplane:This is a most unusual event--the plane is unable to land because of the presemce of a herd of topi who will not leave because of the lions on the runway. The airplane has buzzed both lion and topi several times! And the Topi will not leave until the lions leave (remainder of pride is at the edge of the runway). Ordinarily, one would expect that the topi would be frightened by the plane and flee after one low buzz, but they have the lions where they can see them, and they do not want to go into the high grass where they could not see in which direction the lions might head. Each time the plane buzzed the big male lion, his only response was simply to lower his head. The plane had to land. We ended the stalemate by chasing the lions off with our vehicles. When they left, the topi fled in the opposite direction, and the plane landed safely. [Seronara, Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lion-Sleeping Alpha Male
This is an unusual 'shot' of an alpha male Lion resting on the floodplane. One eye popped open as we drove up to him and his pride nearby. [Ndutu, Tanzania]
Lion Family
Lioness with 3 Cubs-(1st image): There is a 3rd cub that will be seen in the next image. A small pride that lived on top of a medium-sized kopje (an up-thrusting of rock, occurring millions of years ago, covered with vegetation). They are about 4 weeks old. In the cool of the evening, their parents have called them down to the meadow to play. [Serongeti, Tanzania].
Lion Family
These three 4-week Lion cubs belong to the lioness in the previous image and in the 2 images that follow. Statistics suggest that only one of the three will survive to maturity! [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lion Family
The 3rd cub 4-week-old Lion cub is entertaining itself carrying a stick in its jaws. It soon decided it would be more fun sneakng up on daddy, lying on the ground nearby. (see next image). [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lion Family
The 4-week Cub sneaks up and goes nose-to-nose with daddy as he lies on his back. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lion Yawn
This Lion is yawning not calling--Note the broken tooth in the R upper jaw [Serengeti, Tanzania]
Lioness Hides
Spotting this lioness hiding in a bush reminds me of the many times I have walked past shrubbery that might have concealed a hiding lion. I always tried to remember a cardinal rule to make a wide detour around such obsracles. A lion may not be hungry, but they are opportunists! [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Three Lion Siblings
The three Lion siblings, approximately 4 yrs.old, are doing a bonding exercise, which is used to screw up their courage before attacking a pride-lion lying on a large rock 500 ft. away. We hurried over to the rock to be in position to witness and shoot the fight. When these triplets arrived, lion bodies seemed to be flying everywhere. The lone male was badly wounded and later died; the 3 young males disappeared. [Khwai, Moremi NP, Botswana].
Three Lion Siblings
Same three bonding young lions, as in the previous image. [Khwai, Moremi NP, Botswana].
Lion Grumbles
We were observing a small lion pride when a lioness passed near the alpha male lying on the grass. At that instant, we heard the lion suddenly emit a low grumble which caused her to jink away from him. I was able to catch this instant, because I just happened to have the camera already focused on him. I think the lion protruding his tongue, and his regarding the lioness, were all part of this event. [Masai Mara, Kenya].
Lioness and Cub
The lioness has her 3-wk. cub out for a stroll. The little cub has aleady learned to be defiant. The twin of this cub has been left on a ledge about a mile away waiting patiently for their return . [Botswana].
Lioness w/ Her Cub
The same lioness and 3-week cub, as in the previous image. The mother is deliberately tripping her cub and playfully nipping it as they walk back to join its sibling. [Botswana].
Lion with Cub
Lion with Cub: The Cub (about 2 mos.) stands patiently by its daddy (Serengeti, Tanzania)
Lion & 2 Cubs
Lioness with her two 10-month-old cubs have just finished feeding on the remains of an elephant carcass (background). Lions readily accept carrion, even though it may be very foul smelling. [Botswana].
Lioness and Cubs on Kopje
A lioness and her 2 month-olds are on a kopje. You can tell that she is nursing them. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Siraks with Lion Cubs
The author and his wife playing with male and female 4-month-old lions in camp. When they were found, they were about a month old and had been abandoned by their mother.They had been kept in camp. In playing with them, I was very surprised by how much more aggressive and stronger the male already had become. (Contrarily, the adult lionesss in a pride is much more the aggressor than her pride-lion mate in hunting for and capturing prey). Arrangements were being made with an organization that will train and try to return these youngsters, pictured here, to the wild. [Matopos, Zimbabwe].
Lion Cubs Playing
The 2 cubs--the smaller, 5 mos., the larger, 6 mos. (approx.), are play-fighting on the airstrip in the early morning. [Singita, S.Africa].
Lion Cubs Playing
Lion Cubs playing on airstrip (2nd Image), as in the previous image, two cubs--smaller, 5 mos., larger, 8 mos.(approx.), playing on the landing strip--early morning. It is interesting to see what an approximate 2-month difference in age makes in cub-size. [Singita, S.Africa].
Lion Cubs Playing
Two adult lionesses's playing. I believe that the one on the left maybe a little older, but they're both over 2 years. [Chobe NP, Botswana]
Lion Yearling - night
A yearling male Lion on a tree-limb: [Lake Manyara, Tanzania].
Lioness On Limb
A Lioness standing on a tree limb: Noone knows for sure why lions climb into trees. It has been suggested that they do this to escape the pestering flies. They use their great strength to get themselves up, but they are very clumsy getting down. They do not have the leopard's grace--they mostly just fall out of the tree. [Shinde Island, Botswana].
Lioness on Kopje at Sunset
Lioness on a Kopje at Sunset: A kopje is an upthrusting of rock which, over hundreds of thousands of years, becomes silted with soil, enabling growth of vegetation and even large trees. A kopje may be very small or as large as several city blocks. It is frequently a habitat of animals. [Serengeti, Tanzania]
Black Maned Lion on Plains
A Black-Maned Lion resting on the plains. I show this picture to illustrate his tremendous power as evidenced by the huge, sculptured musculature of his left arm and shoulder. He must have weighed well over 400 lbs. The distant zebra, though well aware of him, are not concerned because they know he is not hunting---at the moment, that is. [Serengeti, Tanzania]
Lions enjoying Zebra
Two adult Lions, probably brothers, eating their zebra kill: I had always wanted to get a photo of a lion at eye-level. One morning we found these two full-grown brothers finishing their zebra breakfast. I persuaded our guide to stop, and then I crawled out the vehicle's far-side door, stealthily I thought, on all fours with camera & 400 mm lens, 'til I reached the rear wheel. We were about 100 ft. away and I thought that the lions would be so busy eating they wouldn't notice me. Not so! The one on the left had been looking under the car and observing my every move. Under the circumstances, I peeked around the tire and took 6 quick shots and climbed back into the vehicle. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Old Male Lion
Old, Black-Maned male Lion resting on a mound, which facilitated this eye-level 'shot'. A lion reaches his peak at around 10 years. The average interval he remains the pride male is said to be 7 years; his Life expectancy, 13-15 years. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lionesses Grooming
Four lionesses grooming one another: A typical scene of lionesses in a pride bonding with each other and paying homage to the older individual. [Masai Mara, Kenya].
Lionnesses Playing
Young adult lionesses amusing themselves. [Nxai Pan, Botswana].
Lions at Water Hole
Five adult lionesses drinking (1st of 6 Image). Standing behind them is a young male showing 'flehmen' (2-1/2yrs.). A common behavior of both sexes--and many other species--to detect age & sexual maturity of another of the same species, or by a male to detect a female's reproductive readiness. It is characterized by an open mouth, retracted upper lip, & uplifted head. The young male is showing flehmen, because one of the females is coming into season. One of these 5 lionesses is his mother--the other four, his aunts--but all will reject his approaches. (See next Image). [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lions at Water Hole
The young male approaches one of the lionesses who immediately rejects him (2nd of 6 Images). Although there's a considerable difference in size, she (possibly, his actual mother) is telling him to 'bug off'! He will respect her command! The breeding rights belong to the black-maned fellow who can be seen in the next 2 images. He is at the age when young males are driven out of the pride, to make it on their own. [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lions at Water Hole
The alpha-male sitting (3rd of 6 images): A beautiful specimen of a young, fully mature male--and a nice reflection! [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lions at Water Hole
The same alpha-male Lion having a drink (4th of 6 images). Note the nice reflection! [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lions at Water Hole
Young male Lion & 2 Lionesses at the water (5th of 6 images). The youngster has quieted down and all is serene. The composition, beautiful light and reflections had to be recorded. [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lions at Water Hole
Young Male Lion and 3 Lionesses resting-6th Image. The young male, with 3 of his aunts. Tranquility reigns! [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lion Eating Hartebeest
Lion, alpha male, as in the previous series, devouring a hartebeest that he has pulled under a bush. He killed--and we observed him consume--all by himself, all of this antelope in 5 days. His 2-1/2 yr. son (also seen in the previous series), hopeful of sharing some of the meat, approached him, but he was growled away. All the lionesses of the pride received the same treatment. The horn development (both sexes bear horns), and the size of the thoracic cage suggests that this hartebeest wandered into the area to get a drink, because we had not seen any others of this species in the week we were in the area. [Chobe NP, Botswana].
Lioness Waking Lion
Lioness waking the Lion: It's evening, and the lioness prods her sleepy mate to tell him that she and their cubs are hungry and they should go hunting for dinner. She convinced him, and we followed along with them on their hunt. [South Luangwa NP, Zambia].
Lioness with Hippo Carcass
A Lioness guards her pride's kill of an adult hippo. The alpha male ate his fill, and is now lying down in the shade. The lionesses and cubs looked like they had all stuffed themselves and were sleeping it off. One lioness remained and guarded the carcass, chasing off the vultures when they tried to feed. [Matusadona, Zimbabwe].
Black Maned Lion
A black-maned Lion with a scarred nose: I show this picture of a black-maned lion because it well demonstrates the large black mane. Whether a lion has a large brown mane, or a black one, is now thought to be hereditary. Note the scarred nose--the result of many squabbles. He is probably about 12-13 years old, and past his prime--note worn down lower teeth. He may still belong to a pride (but we saw no other lions), or he might be solitary, having been driven out by a younger successor. If the latter is so, he would have to hunt for himself, making him more dangerous to the weakest of the prey--man! As I mentioned previously, the average tenure as head of a pride is about 6-7 years. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lions Eating
It is rare to see three males eating so peaceably together. These brown-maned lions looked about the same age (about 8 yrs.). I am sure they are siblings. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lions and Cubs Eating (Night)
Lions and cubs eating a warthog: The two brothers were devouring a warthog. When two of the lionesses tried to sneak a bite, they were warned away with growls, but the males did permit the three small cubs to eat with them (foreground). The blurring on the right side of the picture is due to the tall grass standing between us. I couldn't get anyone to get out of the vehicle and remove it. Night-time, flash. [Singita, South Africa].
Loness Mad at Lion
The Lioness is angrily confronting the Lion, because he probably 'pigged out' on the solid organs & good muscle of the zebra kill (1st of 3 images). His movements show that he knows she's mad. She is also pregnant. A lion can consume 50-60 lbs. of meat in a single meal. [Serengeti, Tanzania]
Lioness Mad at Lion
She decides to give him a piece of her mind (2nd of 3 Images). He is backing up from her advance, but he knows, and the other lioness knows, that she isn't going to strike him. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Lioness Mad at Lion
A couple of minutes later, her anger has blown over, and she's making up to him, and they're both lovey-dovey again (3rd Image). He knew she didn't really mean it--as did the other lioness who had remained calm throughout the event. The lion, if he had thought she was serious, could have killed her with one swipe of his paw. [Serengeti, Tanzania].
Brown-maned Lions - Night
Two beautiful brown-maned young adult siblings resting in the early evening. As I have mentioned earlier, it is currently thought that the color of the manes, i.e. why some adult lions have brown manes, and some black ones, is genetic. [Xakanaka, Botswana].
Lion-Black-Maned Walking
Compare this partially black-maned, partially brown-maned lion with the 2 brown-maned ones in the previous image, and with the black-maned fellow earlier. There is considerable variaion in the coloration of the manes. By the way, the purpose of the large mass of long hair around a lion's neck is thought to be a protection from a crushing neck-bite in fights with other males. [Boltswana].
Lions
Another black & brown maned Lion. He looks so benign that you'd think one could just go up and cuddle him. There have been individuals who have made a game of getting out of the vehicle and standing quietly among a group of lions. I think that they all died natural deaths. [Botswana].
Lion at Watering Hole
A beautiful composition of a crouched adult, brown-maned Lion lapping up water with his red-tongue, and with the concentric ripples in a green stream. [Botswana].
Pregnant Lionesses
All five Lionesses are pregnant, and they seemed earnest about getting something to eat. [Botswana].
Lonesses Sleeping
Two Lionesses asleep in a tree: Two adults found shade and freedom from biting flies in this huge tree. I am sure that they knew we were beneath them, but they didn't even bother to open their eyes. [Botswana].
Lion & Lioness Resting
Double image of a Lion & Lioness resting (1st Image): The lion obviously seeks to mate with the lioness, but she has decided that she must first have her beauty-sleep. He is doing his best to be patient, and every so often he would show his affection by licking her back. [Botswana].
Lion & Lioness Resting
Lion & Lioness resting-2nd Image: The same two individuals as the previous. I wanted to show the significant difference in size of a male and female, particularly the head and jaw. The male has a beautiful brown mane.[Kapinga, Zambia].
Lion & Lioness Resting
Double image of a Lion & Lioness (3rd Image): Same individuals as in the 2 previous images. The prelude to the mating affection, but she is still more interested in her beauty-rest than in his intentions. [Kapinga, Zambia].
Lion Snarl
Lion Standing & Snarling: The lion was emitting a low rumble, probably to summon his lionesses. I wanted to show his teeth--the incisors are impressive, but the teeth between (4 incisors) look worn down. He must be around 7-8 years old, and still in his prime. [Botswana].
Lion Eyes Closed
Lion portrait-eyes closed: The picture was taken at night with flash. His face looks like he has never been in a fight--no scars, no deformities! [Botswana].
Lionness Resting and Cub
Lion cub with its mother trying to rest-dbl image: Four-week old cub climbs over its mother (L); and stands with resting mother (R). Lioness mothers are very tolerant of their cubs antics. I have seen big resting males be just the opposite, and 'growl' them off' when disturbed. [Botswana].
Lionesses Nuzzle Male-1st Image-dbl
Double image of two Lionesses nuzzling a male. The lionesses are paying their respect; and bonding with the male. [Botswana].
Two Lionesses and One Male (2)
Double image of two Lionesses and a male (same as in previous): A lioness takes a drink, while the male sits on his haunches (L); The male is aroused, and exhibits flehmen, because he has detected the lioness coming into season (R). [Botswana].
Two Lionesses and One Male (3)
Double image of a Lion, having made an advance, but the lioness wasn't ready to mate, (3rd image, same as in previous 2 images). She makes it plain that he should just buzz off (L)! The lioness and the jilted suitor left in opposite directions (R). [Botswana].
Lionesses
Lionesses (5) resting: Four of the lionesses are lying down, one is walking slowly to another area on the mound. The five are obviously close in age and part of a pride. [Botswana].
Lions resting
Five Lions 5 rest under a tree: These are all males--of different sizes and ages. The one in the R foreground looks like the youngest, but look at the size of the one lying at the back. He is very large. Note the size of his chin and head compared to the others. [Botswana].
Lioness in Tree
A double image of a Lioness straddling (L) and standing on a limb (R). A lioness can gracefully climb into a tree, but their descent is clumsy and comical. It is mostly jumping down, or just falling to the ground. [Botswana].
Lion Cubs Playing
Double image of Lion cubs playing. These cubs are probably all close in age, i.e., 2-3 mos. I have often played with young cubs, and I was impressed by how very strong they already were. [Botswana].
Lioness & Cub Night
Lioness & Lion with small cub: The lioness, standing, is rubbing her cheek against the lion's while their young cub stands behind its mother. Night-time with flash. [Botswana].
Lioness & Cubs Night
Double Image of a Lioness playing with her 2 mo. cubs. Another night-time scene (taken with flash). Each of the cubs gets groomed by mother, while 2 others are nearby tussling with one another. Lions and cubs are much more active at night, and one can see many interesting events. {Botswana].
Lion and Shadows
I just happened to see the interesting shadows on the side of this young adult Lion's body, as as he walked through the woodlands. [Botswana].
Two Resting Lions
Double image of two Lions resting in the shade. Two handsome adult lions from different areas, but close in age. Both are brown-maned (the one on the R appears to have a black mane, but that's just a shadow cast by his chin and fur. [Botswana].
Blackmaned Lions
Lions- 2 brown-maned siblings walking across a field. They both have some darkening of their manes at the edges. These are handsome specimens without any facial scaring. They must not yet have been in any brawls over pride dominance. [Botswana].
Lion in Tree
Lioness lying on a palm tree limb: I had never before seen a lion or lioness resting in a palm tree. Was it shade that made her select a densely-folliaged situation? [Botswana].
Lions Resting
Lion & Lioness resting on a knoll: Both are about 5-6 years, and in prime condition. There may be other members, all part of a pride that includes these two individuals. They could be off hunting, or just lying around somewhere else. But I loved the attractive flowering bushes that surrounds them. [Botswana].
Lionesses
Three Lionesses on a fallen Log: Lionesses are oportunists, as far as hunting is concerned. These may not be hungry enough to go stalking, but they are always interested in food. They have put themslves in a good position to seize pray if it happens to wander close. I wondered if their lying on top of this log, somewhat concealed by folliage, but still with an enhanced view, was one of these instances. [Botswana].
Lionesses Sleeping at 5am
Sunrise and three adult Lionesses and 2 juveniles sleeping: It is about 5 am, and we were just starting out to search for some good photo-ops, when we came upon this scene. [Busanga Plains, Zambia].
Lion Copulation
Lion/Lioness mating (1st of 3 images): In spite of the threatening appearance of the male, this event begins in a very tranquil fashion. It's always the lioness who ultimately determines the 'tone'. [Xakanaxa, Botswana].
Lion Copulation
Lion/Lioness mating (2nd image): He tenderly bites her ear. [Xakanaxa, Botswana].
Lion Copulation
Lion/Lioness mating (3rd image): The lioness has decided that she's had enough and that the event is over. She rears her head and snarls, and 'snaps' at her mate. This always happens, and he knows that it's coming, and so he gets his head out of the way. [Xakanaxa, Botswana].
Lion Copulation
Lion/Lioness Mating (4th image): The lion slinks off and lies down several feet away. They both rest. [Xakanaxa, Botswana].
Three Lionesses
Three Lionesses resting beneath a tree: The one on th left is the youngest, probably only 3 years. Note that she still has distinct dark bars on her legs. The one in the middle is probably 6 months older. The oldest being the one on the right. Thus they are probably siblings from different matings. [Botswana].
Lion Mating Behavior
The premating behavior is depicted in these two images. If the lioness is not ready, she will snarl and act agressively towards the male. [Botswana].
Lion Mating Behavior
Lion & Lioness mating [Botswana]. The interesting part of the picture is the fierce expressions on their faces.
Brown-Mane Lions
Two brown-maned lions: The 'brown mane', 'blackmane' issue is thought not to have anything to do with age, but rather it is genetic. [Botswana].
Lioness Angry at Cubs
In this and the next image the Lioness acts very strangely towards her 2-1/2 month old cubs. I cannot explain this! [Botswana].
Lioness Angry at Cubs
Lioness with her three 2-1/2 month cubs. I could not explain her snarling at them. She seemed to remain hostile to them the whole time we observed them. [Botswana].
Lioness and Cubs
A different lioness with her 2-month and 8-month cubs. [Botswana].
Lioness and Cubs
Six-month cub showing his affection to his mother. [Botswana].
Lioness and Cubs
Seven Lion cubs of varying age from 2 months to 1 year. [Botswana].
Lion Chases Hyena (Quad Photo)
A Lioness chases a Hyena which was eating some of her kill that she had momentarily deserted: Starting at the upper right-hand image and proceeding thru the upper-left, lower left, lower right images, she catches up with the hyena just as it reaches a bush into which it will try to escape the lionesses' clutches. I wish I had had a recording of the hyenas' frantic crying--we were close enough to hear it clearly! The hyena thought that it was going to be killed, but on reaching the bush, the lioness turned around and returned to its meal. Had it been a large male lion, I think the hyena would have gotten killed [Botswana].
Lion
I took this photo of a 7-8 year-old brown-maned lion, with reflection, walking along a stream--a beautiful scene! [Botswana].
Lioness
I could not resist taking a picture of this full-grown Lioness' posture as she bends over to have a long drink, and making a reflection of her head in the little stream. [Botswana].
Lion Family Resting
Two young adult Lioness siblings resting in the grass. [Botswana].
Lioness with Buffalo Rib Cage
A Lioness with part of the buffalo's rib-cage. [Botswana].
Old Silver Eye
"Old Silver-Eye", a 28-year-old Lioness, leading a group of young lions--and her sister--across the plains. She has this name because of an injury that destroyed her right eye, leaving its silvery remains in the socket. She is famous for having been a great hunter. But she is infamous because of her having killed all the cubs of of her two recent birthings! Nobody knows why!
Old Silver Eye
A close-up of 'Old Silver-Eye. Note her destroyed right eye. Noone knows how it happened. She certaily looks spry and fit for a 28-year-old. Her reputation for the unexplained killing of her recent litters of pups (please read caption of previous image) could have serious consequences for her Tsaro pride. Although it currently has 2 large males, 5 adult females, and many juveniles of various ages, it could suddenly be rendered much smaller & less defendable from young 'rogue' lions seeking a pride, if there were a split between the 2 males, or death of one or two of its adults. Either could happen! If a new male(s) took over, he would kill or drive off all those still nursing, & probably the juvenile males. Studies have shown that the average duration for being the alpha male is about 6 years. A male reaches his peak at about 10 years. [Botswana].
