Love for Lions (Pictures)

My last couple of blogs have dealt with quite big issues (if you haven't seen them please do check them out)... So I figured that today should be something a little simpler! 

During my time as a volunteer at Karongwe Game Reserve, and whilst studying as a field guide at Shamwari I had lots of fantastic opportunities to spend time with this magnificent animal. Here are some photographs of some of my favourite moments with lions! 

This was the focus male Lion at Karongwe Game Reserve, known as "Zero" - his number used for tracking

A fantastic moment when following the lion pride and they came across the elephants! They weren't really sure what to do... (Karongwe Game Reserve)

Sub-Adult male lion - one day he's going to be an incredibly large adult! (Karongwe Game Reserve)

The lion pride having an afternoon nap  - I just loved this little cub using mum as a pillow! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

Young male lions play fighting (Shamwari Game Reserve)

The classic lion roar! Look at those teeth! (Karongwe Game Reserve)

Terrible photo - but what a moment! A young lion and a hippo come across one another - both looked at one another for a moment and then made a dash for it! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

I just love this photograph - at a kill cubs are at the bottom of the pack... This one took a hunk of meat and ran for it! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

After following the tracks of a group of lions we found one set going off in a different direction. Eventually we came across this female who we believed had just attempted to hunt a Kudu! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

This was during the same tracking exercise - We followed the second set of tracks and found eight cubs running around enjoying freedom from mum! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

A hot afternoon relaxing with the family! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

This is the biggest, most stunning lioness I have seen in my entire life! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

A lion relaxing in the sun... Who'd a thought it! (Shamwari Game Reserve)

Young cub looking out across the reserve (Shamwari Game Reserve)

I know how lucky I have been to have a chance to capture all of these photographs. What stunning creatures!