Lion pictures and videos

[Tshokwane]

Heinrich Neumeyer Wildlife and Landscape Photography:
"The Solo one..."

Through the odd 36 years of Pilanesberg's existence, there has been many a lion which traversed within its boundaries.
I've have been privileged to see most of them on my visits to the Park, and each time still infuses feelings of elation and merriment.
Seeing the tawny coats from afar or right next to your vehicle is always equally thrilling.
Hearing their ear-splitting roars as they purloin the silence is still the most iconic sound of Africa to me.
I have followed many of them as they journeyed their lives, from frightful fluffy balls of fur to full maned, proud and powerful kings.
I have seen them at their proudest moments, and sadly, also at their final feeble fates.
Yet I would try to remember them at their best, where they would enthrall me with their majestic presence and on occasions pierce into my soul with their ambered yellow eyes.
Recently I had yet another glorious sighting of one of the iconic males who is all grown up...
Solo...
This well known male is frequently seen close to Kwa Maritane, on Tshepe Drive.
Being on his own since a young age, he was given the name of Han Solo (courtesy of a couple of Star Wars fanatical Guides), and since it's been shortened to Solo.
This male is surely one for the ages and already he is regularly braving the central areas of Pilanesberg where the "Black Rhino" Males and Dispersed Males / Spooners are also often seen.
Here he was standing in the late afternoon breeze... closing his eyes every now and again as it blew through his mane.
Contemplating the scents and sounds of the area, and going forward regardless.
A new journey and story beckons, and I can't wait to read this one!

*This image is copyright of its original author

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