Enkoveni - Run baby, run (4)
The next couple of photos where all taken during one siting. A group of lions, three adult females and seven young lions set after a giraffe calf.
...
Read more
The next couple of photos where all taken during one siting. A group of lions, three adult females and seven young lions set after a giraffe calf.
This was an amazing siting, even if we had experienced the brutality of nature. It was clear from the first moment, as we stumbled across this event in nature that the young one would not survive. This struggle would continue for more than two hours. This pack of lions had killed and devoured a buffalo the previous day and thus was not in immediate need for food. Yet the group decided to go for the young giraffe anyway. It was clear from the adult lions behaviour, staying in the back ground, that this was an opportunity for the younger lions to hon their hunting skills.
The mother of the young giraffe valiantly tried to protect the young one. The lions certainly had a healthy respect for the kicking ability of the giraffe and every time she turned around the lions scattered.
The lions clearly keeping a safe distance, however never losing their aura of control.
She tried to show the calf by example how to get away, unfortunately the calf’s speed was no match for the lions. It was amazing to see how this young giraffe picked up on her mother actions and started to kick with its front legs to chase the lions away.
One would have thought that lion instinctively knew how to hunt and kill. Even the king of nature still has to learn how to become an effective hunter. Countless times the young lions chased after the calf, tackling it to the ground without executing the lethal blow. Only after the older lion females decided that is was time to finish this and getting involved demonstrating how should be done, the calf was finally killed. There were a few times we thought, this must surely be it, that the calf got up again to our disbelief.
Eventually, after two hours of struggle, one of the older female lions went for the kill, ending the agony of the calf.
Read less
This was an amazing siting, even if we had experienced the brutality of nature. It was clear from the first moment, as we stumbled across this event in nature that the young one would not survive. This struggle would continue for more than two hours. This pack of lions had killed and devoured a buffalo the previous day and thus was not in immediate need for food. Yet the group decided to go for the young giraffe anyway. It was clear from the adult lions behaviour, staying in the back ground, that this was an opportunity for the younger lions to hon their hunting skills.
The mother of the young giraffe valiantly tried to protect the young one. The lions certainly had a healthy respect for the kicking ability of the giraffe and every time she turned around the lions scattered.
The lions clearly keeping a safe distance, however never losing their aura of control.
She tried to show the calf by example how to get away, unfortunately the calf’s speed was no match for the lions. It was amazing to see how this young giraffe picked up on her mother actions and started to kick with its front legs to chase the lions away.
One would have thought that lion instinctively knew how to hunt and kill. Even the king of nature still has to learn how to become an effective hunter. Countless times the young lions chased after the calf, tackling it to the ground without executing the lethal blow. Only after the older lion females decided that is was time to finish this and getting involved demonstrating how should be done, the calf was finally killed. There were a few times we thought, this must surely be it, that the calf got up again to our disbelief.
Eventually, after two hours of struggle, one of the older female lions went for the kill, ending the agony of the calf.
Read less
Nov, 2016Views
318
Likes
Awards
Winner in Hidden Animals Photo Challenge
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Olifants West Game Reserve at the Enkoveni Naledi Lodge, South Africa.Time
This photo is part of series where we witnessed a lion kill. These three lions where watching their pray. This photo was taken on 13th August 2016 at 7:06am.Lighting
All natural light. Due to the time of the day the light still provided for warm tones.Equipment
This was shot with Canon 650D, EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 ISII lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
I love nature and in particular the South African bush. It is a great privilege, having access to a game park like this. I have no particular animal that I prefer and whenever I take photos, I always try to capture the beauty of the subject.Editing
The picture was taken in RAW and I used Photoshop Elements to process the image. Nothing more than the basics and a bit of cropping.In my camera bag
In the bush I normally pack my camera (Canon 650D) and the EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 ISII lens as well a EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ISII lens. Also in the bag I keep a spare battery, memory card and cleaning gear.Feedback
There are probably may different ways to capture a beautiful images, however the first step is being there. On a game viewer, like the ones used in this reserve it is better to sit behind the driver, it is the lowest bench and gives you the best chance of shooting the animals at eye level. Always be prepared for a siting, constantly adjusting to the prevailing conditions. Scan the surrounds, as there are also great photo opportunities away from the action. Then try and try again, small changes in the posture of the animal can make a big difference. Lastly enjoy what you are doing.
