It is known to most from all walks of life, whether one has an interest in animals or not, particularly cats, large or small, that they do not enjoy water, with the exception of a small handful, like Jaguars and Tigers. Some would argue against this, due to the fact that in various areas of Southern Africa, like the Okavango Delta where Lions are forced to cross large masses of water to get from point A to B, traverse territory and locate prey, we could over rule this statement that cats do not like water.
From my experience in the bush, as short as it may be, but across a few parts of South Africa, I have yet to encounter a cat, Lion, Leopard or Cheetah that enjoys water. A cat that will deliberately swim in water to cool down or just spend time in water as a daily ritual. These cats despise water. The unknowns of it, the depths, the darkness, the crocodiles and the grooming procedure post hurtling themselves through any body of water. In plain and simple terms, what we witnessed on this beautiful early afternoon, with all 9 cubs of the Mhangeni pride, was something very special, something I will not forget.
We managed to find the Lions in the sand river, on the Southern Bank, however, the adult females had moved out of the river to find refuge in the shade of the Jackalberry trees, overlooking the cubs which lay waiting, patiently for their mothers return. However, the cubs became restless and bored, like any young child would without stimulation and out of pure frustration they began to wrestle. Two of the cubs grabbed my attention as they were situated on a small island in the middle of two flowing bodies of water. Certainly the most dangerous place to fight, however they had no concern and fight they did.
We were lucky enough to have some great lighting for these action shots, however as a general rule, when there is a lot of movement from animals and one is trying to freeze that action, ensure a high shutter speed in order to eliminate blurred images. For all of these images, my f-stop was low, and the lighting allowed for a relatively low ISO. For increased shutter speed, increasing your ISO will help alot, but remember the higher it goes, the more “noise” your image will show.
A cub approaches the water looking to cross a small section of water to get to a sibling. (f5.6 1/400sec ISO 200 320mm)
Another cub waiting patiently on the other side of a small waterway. (f5.6 1/800sec ISO 640 400mm)
The two affectionately meet as these social cats do. (f5.6 1/1600sec ISO 640 400mm)
And the wrestling begins. (f5.6 1/800sec ISO 640 400mm)
Blow by blow, the 2 cubs play and learn. (f5.6 1/800sec ISO 640 400mm)
Each time these cubs play and fight, it teaches them about the trials of the future. (f5.6 1/1000sec ISO 640 275mm)
Water is often avoided by Lions, however these cubs find themselves quite at home in it. (f5.6 1/1250sec ISO 640 285mm)
(f5.6 1/1250sec ISO 640 285mm)
(f5.6 1/1600sec ISO 640 285mm)
This next sequence of 3 pictures are my favourite. (f5.6 1/1600sec ISO 640 285mm)
(f5.6 1/1600sec ISO 640 285mm)
(f5.6 1/1600sec ISO 640 285mm)
Written and Photographed by: Mike Sutherland
Amazing photographs Mike, really like these pics
Amazing pictures, love the shutter speed which caught the water and the light, can’t wait to come back. Thanks for the pics.
Brilliant post Mike must have been an amazing sighting…
Very Cute. :0), Great blog.
muy bueno el informe !!! excelentes las fotos !!!!!
3rd pic from the bottom is my favourite… The cub on the right kind of has a Zorro vibe going there…
Awesome shots mike!
Jamo
Great pics Mike, the tail-trails are amazing and beautifully captured. The images make me miss Londolozi!
Mike, the way you have captured the water spray off the cubs is absolutely perfect, you couldn’t have asked for better! All the pictures of these little guys are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Have a great evening drive & look forward to next load of pics 🙂
What incredible shots Mike! 🙂 🙂
Number 7 is my definite favourite! And thanks for the tips…
An amazing blog as always 🙂
The Charleston Pride of the southern SS are known to regularly lounge in the Sand River!
OK Mike, you did it again, made me miss being there!
Hi Mike, We miss you and all of the team (dear friends) at Londolozi! These pictures are amazing!
Can’t wait to return to see them again! Best, Terri
Totally awesome pics Mike. We will enjoy watching them grow up!
Great images, Mike! I felt like I was there myself!
Awesome pics…Thank you!!!
I’m guessing they lost one of the cubs?
Amazing pics. Thanks, I am trying to learn photography and this makes me want to explore more.
Just returned from my first fabulous trip to Africa. Mike, you made it extra special and now these photos make we want yo get back ASAP. What a remarkable place!
Amazing photos Mike!!
Well done!
So cute!