Africa

All photos in this section were
captures on December 11, 2009 in the
Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
This mature male lion was mating with
a lioness (her photo is displayed
further down in the Photography by
Travis Arnold section, along with a
few other favorites). These lions were
on Day 12 of a typical 14 day mate,
during which time there is no hunting
- it is mating time and napping time
only. This was nap time!

The pride of lions photographed here
were a real treat. With 18 lions
strong, this pride was one to really
move you. It was impossible to not be
completely captivated and infatuated
with these creatures. I had the good
fortune of getting a front row seat to
the mother feeding her cubs who laid
some 20 feet before me. I hope you
get a chance to watch the video I have
made here so you too can experience
what I saw that day, and perhaps
understand this feeling that resonates
in me now.

On November 29, 2009 we arrived at the base of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda ~ the home of the rare Mountain Gorilla. We
began our trek to meet the Hirwa Group of gorillas. This family included one Silverback, 5 females, and 5 infant/youth. Our first
encounter after spotting the group was the approach of an infant standing some 3 feet tall. As he wobbled towards us, he banged
his chest and used his powerful intimidation tactics to melt our hearts. We had one hour to view these animals as they climbed
bamboo trees, rolled around and played, napped, or just spent time together. It was cute how I wanted to photograph a stick bug,
but had no idea how to spot one - and if you look closely, you will see there is one on the Silverbacks head. Lucky!!! I always
manage to get what I want - I just don't always realize it right away.

If you are someone who has a love for these creatures, and Africa is somewhere you would love to go, I recommend you do it
soon. There is no guarentee that these amazing animals will survive all the challenges man poses against them. They are not a
species that is saved by the protection of a zoo, as no zoo has had one survive in it, therefore they no longer try. Our support is
a critical part of their existence. It is not a once in a lifetime, but rather a must in a lifetime. Once may not be enough.

Elephants,
giraffes, &
monkeys - Oh
My! There were
so many
beautiful animals
in Africa, and
many with their
young. It was a
real pleasure to
photograph
them just as it is
a pleasure to
share them with
you.

Capturing the Moment