fbeaston Loc: Vermont

In our recent trip to Kenya, Keith (Retired CPO) & I were very lucky to see lions on several occasions. And we got to see them "up close & personal" on a couple of times. Since we were in the same vehicle, we often captured similar images, so I've tried to pick shots I liked but that are different than those Keith has posted. The 1st two shots were shot during our 1st encountered the Pride (EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM) & were a bit further away than the remainder of the shots (EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM) which were shot the next morning. All were shot with a Canon 5dIV.

Believe the cub got a little rough ... this is Mama's way of saying "Be gentle ... don't bite ... or you'll pay a big price!!!!" while the "neighbors" watch the scolding.

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Other members of the Pride ... 1 nursing a cub

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The next morning, we were the 1st Landcruiser to find the Pride ... here, 2 cubs are playing & practicing skills they'll need for survival. 1st the pounce ...

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Then going for the kill ... these little guys do play rough.

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Meeting in the bushes ...

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Enjoying the warm morning sun ...

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While they are wearing collars for tracking, these are in fact wild lionesses, roaming free. Believe this is an adult daughter seemingly greeting her mother 1st thing in the morning. Never realized lions were affectionate like that.

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After the initial greeting, they're ready to face the new day ...

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A cub passing the Landcruiser. While they did keep an eye on the vehicles, they were not the least bit bothered by our being there. And we were a matter of only a few yards away in many cases.

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Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Very nice, Frank. You got some that I didn't see. Well done!

Richard1947 Loc: Knoxville, TN

Awesome post! Very informative.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thanks Keith ... I thought you were on the road heading South & I could say anything I wanted to about you & get a head-start on you!!!! Guess I better hold off on that plan. ;)

I do appreciate the visit & comment.

Be safe.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thank you Richard. Appreciate you looking & commenting.

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Really nice personal photos. The affection they show each other is heartwarming. You captured it well.
I'm glad the cubs play rough, they need to work on their skills to survive!
I wonder if the collars bother them at all? I wonder if others notice when some have them and some don't?
Looking forward to more pics!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Well, Frank. I would be heading North. The onset of Summer isn't the time for us to be headed South.
But this Corona Virus panic means that a lot of RV parks are not allowing new people in, especially military RV parks which we try to use whenever possible. So we are thinking that shelter-in-place might be the best plan.
I hate to think of spending the summer in Florida. But it's no worse than the South China Sea on a flight deck wearing a long sleeve, turtle neck flight deck jersey, float coat and helmet for months at a time.
So I'm not complaining. But don't ask Judy, she will tell you I'm lying.
ps. Say anything you want about me, just don't think that only goes one way

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Pretty heddy comments from you, given how well I think you captured these types of animals during your tour. Thanks for sharing them. As for the collars ... I work with a guy who rescues orphaned bear cubs, rehabilitates them & releases them back to the wild ... & he places collars on some bears he has released back into the wild. He indicated, that like a domestic animal with a collar, it is new at 1st but quickly forgotten. The value in having them worn & being able to track the animals provides extremely valuable data for understanding their movements. So while they look as ugly as hell (to me) in a photo, I guess their value outweighs that.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

I hear you on the weather around the So China Sea ... I vividly remember similar weather back in the day, although I was inland. Glad to hear you are sheltering in place. This virus is awful ... so best to try to avoid getting it. Hope you & Judy are well ... & not to worry ... the Navy has tried to critique Marines for centuries ... usually out of envy ... however we consider the source. ;) Best to you.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Another great set, Frank! Keep them coming for the stay at homes.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thank you Mike ... I was going to do 1 more from Africa ... the male lion ... but after swapping messages with Keith, I may do 2 more ... 1 is way out of my comfort zone ... but a learning experience. Thanks for the positive feedback Mike ... I appreciate them as always ... & glad you're staying home. Best to you.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

What a wonderful post. Really great work.

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thank you very much for those comments. I'm very pleased you liked the photos that much & I am very appreciative for the feedback. Thank you & best to you & yours.

lxu532 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Stunning!

fbeaston Loc: Vermont

Thank you very much for that comment ... I really appreciate the visit & comment. Thanks for taking the time to leave it. Frank