matthiasstiefel
The Ghost and the Darkness
In my humble opinion this is one of my best shots which I ever made.
I made this analog 1999 in a private lion-farm nearby Harare (Simbabwe/Rhodesia) where cape-lions, the biggest of the world, were cultivated. Cape-lions are nearby eradicated. The cultivated lions of this farm were sold to zoos worldwide to safe this species.
The baby-lions were raised by humans until they are to big to control them. An adult male cape-lion grew up to a weight to 350kg. It´s impossible to release them back into their natural habitats cause they lost their fear of humans - they would become man-eaters.
With the younger teen lions up to a weight to 150kg we made several walks through the park.
The rules were clear: NEVER run away, NEVER look into the eyes of the lions, NEVER knee or sit nearby a lion, NEVER show a lion your backside and NEVER show fear - and if nothing helps: pray!
The rangers tried to control them, but the truth is: It´s not really possible. One day an impala gazelle run across - the lions killed it immediately in front of my eyes. It was a very dangerous moment for all humans too when the lions smell and taste the blood and flesh.
I don´t know if this farm still exist. A few months later the land reform program under President Mugabe starts - and the country collapsed.
Back to the shot:
I have of course several pictures of those lions, but this one means to me the power of those wonderful animals. I felt in love to them. I´ve been in several parts of Africa for the years, but Simbabwe compares to nothing.
The title of this picture I borrowed from a great movie with Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. It´s the story of lions who are named „The men-eaters of Tsavo" … but first of all it´s a tribute to the big wonder called Africa.
You want to see more of my pictures of Africa?
Have a look into my album. Klick on the link below:
The Ghost and the Darkness
In my humble opinion this is one of my best shots which I ever made.
I made this analog 1999 in a private lion-farm nearby Harare (Simbabwe/Rhodesia) where cape-lions, the biggest of the world, were cultivated. Cape-lions are nearby eradicated. The cultivated lions of this farm were sold to zoos worldwide to safe this species.
The baby-lions were raised by humans until they are to big to control them. An adult male cape-lion grew up to a weight to 350kg. It´s impossible to release them back into their natural habitats cause they lost their fear of humans - they would become man-eaters.
With the younger teen lions up to a weight to 150kg we made several walks through the park.
The rules were clear: NEVER run away, NEVER look into the eyes of the lions, NEVER knee or sit nearby a lion, NEVER show a lion your backside and NEVER show fear - and if nothing helps: pray!
The rangers tried to control them, but the truth is: It´s not really possible. One day an impala gazelle run across - the lions killed it immediately in front of my eyes. It was a very dangerous moment for all humans too when the lions smell and taste the blood and flesh.
I don´t know if this farm still exist. A few months later the land reform program under President Mugabe starts - and the country collapsed.
Back to the shot:
I have of course several pictures of those lions, but this one means to me the power of those wonderful animals. I felt in love to them. I´ve been in several parts of Africa for the years, but Simbabwe compares to nothing.
The title of this picture I borrowed from a great movie with Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. It´s the story of lions who are named „The men-eaters of Tsavo" … but first of all it´s a tribute to the big wonder called Africa.
You want to see more of my pictures of Africa?
Have a look into my album. Klick on the link below: