Raw Ruaha
Young male lion in pastel/pastel pencil (24" x 17" framed).
This is my first picture from my recent trip to Africa. There were many amazing encounters with wildlife on his trip and these lions were no exception.
Whilst in Ruaha we came across a group of six or seven young male lions who had banded together. The afternoon heat was intense and they were resting not too far from the river under the shelter of some trees. To be so close to such incredibly powerful animals was truly humbling. Something about seeing them in their natural environment empowered them beyond all belief. Sitting inside my little land rover looking at them through my open window I felt a thrill of pure fear, adrenaline and excitement. Also a true sense of privilege. An encounter such as this was something I had dreamt of for many many years.
One by one they eventually got up and passed alongside and behind our vehicle. At some points they seemed so close that it felt as if they would hear my heart pounding!
This particular individual stopped briefly alongside. I was drawn to the lopsided ear, which was permanently dropped lower than the other. Why, I wondered? He already had plenty of scars over his nose and there were many insects crawling around in his yet undeveloped mane, yet, even at this young age, he made a truly awesome sight.
The title 'Raw Ruaha' may seem rather obscure to many, but to me, it reflects the raw emotions I felt at seeing such a powerful and truly magnificent wild creature at such close quarters.
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