If you ever visit Johannesburg, South Africa, you should make a point of visiting the Lion Park. It’s near Lanseria Airport, to the west of the city. Children are especially fond of the place because they can go into the cage with the baby lions, pat them and play with them – it’s a great adventure for little ones. The baby lions don’t seem to mind too much either.
When you’re done playing with baby lions and feeding the baby giraffes, get into your car and drive over to the four lion enclosures. A word of caution – DO NOT get out of your car, or open the windows – the adult lions are NOT friendly! They are extremely dangerous, and more than one tourist has snapped his last shot, leaning out of the car window or getting out of the car. I’m not kidding.
The dirt road leads through all four enclosures in turn. We came across this group first. As you can see, they’re all fairly alert – it was nearly feeding time:
FinePix S9500, f/4.9, 1/210 second, ISO 200
Two of the lionesses got up to investigate our car. It’s pretty scary coming face-to-face with these big cats!
FinePix S9500, f/4.1, 1/400 second, ISO 200
If you have any doubts as to how big a full-grown lioness is…..
- FinePix S9500, f/4, 1/320 second, ISO 200
The males tend to lie around under the trees, and let the females do all the hunting.
Canon 400D, f/5.6, 1/1600 second, ISO 400
Occasionally, the male will get up and go sharpen his claws on a tree – just in case he has to do any work later!
FinePix S9500, F/4.9, 1/80 second, ISO 400
We saw a rare white lion in one of the enclosures. He looked like a big, white, fluffy toy….
FinePix S9500, f/3.7, 1/280 second, ISO 200
until he opened his mouth!
FinePix S9500, f/3.8, 1/300 second, ISO 200
We also managed to snap a few close-up portraits. This little cub was quite happy to have his photo taken.
Canon 400D, f/5.6, 1/1600 second, ISO 400
So, if you want to see Big Cats – REALLY big cats – come visit us here in South Africa!
Cathy's Photography 