“The fact is that no species has ever had such wholesale control over everything on earth, living or dead, as we now have. That lays upon us, whether we like it or not, an awesome responsibility. In our hands now lies not only our future but that of all other living creatures with whom we share the earth.” Sir David Attenborough
Ultimately, this quote defines everything about you, me or anyone reading this blog. The beauty of nature and the feeling we all get from viewing all other living creatures that we share the earth with, cannot be put into words. Something we witness, keeps us watching it, photographing it, longing to be in it. Nature and its living creatures have to be the best part of the earth we all share.
Being able to capture images that showcase, not even a percentage of, these living creatures is a great privilege. Of course, capturing these images comes with some underlying pressure, to impress, as a conservationist and a person who is extremely passionate about the wildlife you want to portray an animal in a way that a person wants to constantly look at that image and ensure they live life with a subconscious/conscious decision that, that species continues to share the earth with them going forward.
I often say that so many people have become wildlife photographers and truth be told; we can never have enough. The more people that are passionate about seeing and photographing animals in the wild, the more we can protect those very species.
We celebrate this week with a diverse selection of these magnificent wild animals.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
This elephant calf captivated my guests and me for at least half an hour. Not even a day old, wobbly and hairy. It was one of the cutest things to watch. Just before this happened I told my guests that I hope it drinks as seeing an elephant stick its whole face in the water creates instant smiles on the vehicle.
A stormy night was upon us as the last rays of golden light broke through the clouds highlighting this Bateleur. With the impala lambs appearing everywhere, the afterbirths attract a lot of eagle activity. We presume that this particular bateleur had just been feeding on the afterbirth before we arrived.
One of the Plains Camp Male Lions watches as his brother takes on a herd of buffalo. This individual wasn’t moving anywhere or helping.
The Senegal Bush Male Leopard could not be less bothered or look more relaxed as he rests in a tree with a full impala ram kill hoisted safely on a branch beneath him.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
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A migrant that always makes you double-check. However, quite easily distinguished from the Wood Sandpiper, another prevalent sandpiper we see, by the white shoulder crescent. Often described as the C for the Common Sandpiper.
A large herd of elephants comes down to drink at one of the popular river crossings through the Sand River.
Having just returned to the water hole after a night of feeding this hippo bull watched us as we drove past.
The Nhlanguleni Female Leopard made my day this particular afternoon as she lay on this termite mound. The ground had this rich red colour and I could not get over the beauty of this animal when the contrast of her coat was against the red mound.
Initially skittish female who transformed into a regular presence. Made history by raising first intact litter since her own generation.
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A Red-billed Oxpecker was in for the ride as a buffalo bull made his way to a nearby mud wallow.
A buffalo bull stares us down as we went past. Something a bit different with half a face shot.
Dark skies and some morning light set the scene for this photo as a breeding herd of elephants feeds amongst the dry grasses and dead knob-thorn trees.
Two bull giraffes size one another up before getting into quite a viscous necking battle.
The Mashaba Female, having not been seen for a while, we found her as healthy as ever and resting peacefully in a marula tree.
Londolozi's oldest territorial female. Distinguished by her nose spot, this Sunsetbend matriarch's legacy lives on through her daughters.
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Waterbuck, often underrated, are one of the most beautiful antelope. This bull in golden light stood out in the dark river reeds and I decide to completely feature his beauty by making a completely black background.
The Nkoveni Female plays with one of her cubs in what was one of my best afternoons in the bush.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
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Marvelous photos. For those of us that can’t afford and/or unable to travel, I look forward to these from you all! The Sengel Bush Male’s name was Kunyuma, correct? I started watching SafariLive when he was but a very small cub. Loved watching him and his brother and mother Karula. I may not be able to see them in person but I have 100’s of screen shots. I do my local critters, like fox, deer and raccoon in my own backyard. Birds, Butterflies and Flowers are the main focus. Thanks again for your talent sure does shine through. Loved the half face of the Buffalo and the Heart of the Waterbuck.
Loved your introductory words Dean and Sir David Attenborough’s quote, they are certainly the ethos of what Londolozi stands for. Pictures are as always, marvellous – The Senegal Bush male and Mashaba female are two of our favourites – having been blessed to see them both a number of times. Especially lloved the waterbuck picture with the black background. Looking so much forward to our trip at the beginning of December!.
Wonderful pics again, thank you! Esp. the waterbuck!! Seeing the buffalo, I just started wondering that their skin often seems not so good. As in, do they often have skindiseases?
Dean, what a great set of images this week! We love the creativity that you were putting into some of your photos. The black backgrounds white backgrounds really highlight the incredible features of the wildlife you were shooting. Keep it up. We love it and thanks! Are you doing the editing in Lightroom? Is there a trick?
Superb pictures and animals! I have always loved waterbucks they are lovely and have a soft face. The little “Dumbo” is irresistible! All cats especially leopards are a masterwork of nature, I’m so glad to hear of Mashaba female! Love the giraffe as well. Great as always
The water buck photo is a winner. Think about offering it as a full-blown poster!
Loved the portrait style of so many of the animals featured this week, with plain backgrounds. I do agree the leopard on the ruddy termite mound created beautiful contrast.
Great technique with the waterbuck photo.
Hadn’t heard about Mashaba Female in a while–glad she’s still around.
Wonderful photos, as always. Thanks for sharing.
The waterbuck looks fantastic. But all the others are great as well.
I liked your text on nature and photography. And I do hope that taking pictures of animals and the other wonders of nature and show them to lots of people might make us all aware of what we are losing if we lose nature or parts of it.
It is a really incredible privilege to be able and see these animals in their natural habitat.
Home three weeks in Hawai’i and yearning to be back home again at Londolozi. My favorite: the waterbuck. Stunning composition.
Dean your quote from Sir David is absolutely true. Nature is special and we have to look after it in every aspect. We only have one earth and it is getting ruined by different things, pollution, climate change , just to name a few. Loved the pic of Mashaba and Senegal bush male, they are my favorite leopards. Stunning foto of the Nhlanguleni female on that red mount and also the foto of the waterbuck with black back drop. Little elephant too gorgeous for words.
Wonderful variety for the week! Love the leopard lounging and taking in the scenery! Also you can never go wrong with elephants and hippos! I love the water bucks, we don!t see them and the mother leopard and cub made my day! Thankyou! Victoria
Fantastic photos and reporting Dean, and I especially enjoyed reading the quote from David Attenborough. I have more to add but it’s just to difficult to write with one non-dominant hand. Keep posting your wonderful photos!
Some awesome pics Dean and an interesting blog. Love the Attenborough quote – he is quite a man and I love him. You are right about the wildlife photography bringing awareness to our wildlife. We need to protect it all for our future generations. Thanks for sharing – very enjoyable.
Brilliant pics this week Dean! All so different and exquisite! Love the waterbuck with the black backdrop, love the elephants amongst the dead trees – just beautiful. I also really love the half buffalo head – looks amazing!
Epic shots, Dean!
Love this week’s photos! And love getting updates on 3 leopards that I have also seen on Londolozi!