Lion's Pride.

Whilst working out in Zambia, the days were excessively hot. I was there during what the locals know as suicide month, (October to the rest of us!). Hindsight is a wonderful thing and if I'd had more, I would have packed some cool packs instead of umpteen fleeces. 

I'd often work throughout my lunch break at Munda Wanga and would be in the park till well after close, doing final checks and spending time with the animals whilst it was quiet. To me there was nothing more peaceful than sitting next to the lion enclosure at dusk, it was so good it was almost surreal! They are such majestic creatures, awe-inspiring creatures. 

In an ideal world, yes these lions would be running free and wild, but the sad fact is this pride wasn't. I can only hope that they are in some ways ambassadors for their species, helping to educate people about why they are so important to the planet, how stunning they are and how they can help to ensure that they are going to be around for generations to come. Co-existence is possible!

Darkness fell quickly and the walk back to the residence was a little more perilous in my mind. I'd stomp back through the grass shining a tiny little torch, all in the hope any snakes would get the message and leave before I came across them. Thankfully there were no surprises and any cobra's were spotted from a distance during the day!

I adapted this picture from a photograph a few months after I returned home. Quite loose in style for me, but it seems to have gone down well and I have sold a few prints of this picture.

Alpha male of the Munda Wanga pride. 

Pastel and charcoal on black paper.