Ok I know this photo is far from perfect, I stupidly clipped the paws of the female but well, one learns from one’s mistakes right?  Anyway, what I love about lions, apart from their majesty of course, is the fact that they are social cats and relish each other’s company.  They are the ultimate cats, and yet so un-catlike in their social behaviour.  This couple photographed in the Maasai Mara were at the start of their courtship, lots of seduction but not mating yet.  I was really delighted when at some point they decided to walk side by side straight towards our car and looking straight into the camera. The male even had a protective stance and look – “don’t you dare touch my girl!”.  Their scarred faces are a testament to the fact that despite being the most sociable and affectionate of cats lions lead extremely violent lives, and ironically the danger is mostly from their own kind.

Techs: Canon 7d | Canon 300mm 2.8 L IS II | f2.8 | 1/640 | ISO 800