Lions | Caesar and Cassius
Kalahari Black-maned Lions | Black and White Prints
Caesar Stares at me, his brother Cassius sits at back on a kill.
Marataba is a beautiful game reserve in the North West of South Africa. I had a wonderful time on a photographic safari with clients.
One of the highlights was spending time with a coalition of pride males, Caesar and Cassius, Kalahari black-maned Lions.
Caesar Stands and Stares.
I love Kalahari black-maned Lions, they are a subspecies of lions and are more powerful than other lion species. Their impressive black mane renders Kalahari lions with an intimidating appearance. Kalahari black-maned Lions can grow to a height of 1,46m and weigh up to 263kgs. Kalahari black-maned Lions are perfectly adapted to the extreme climate and conditions of the Kalahari.
Moment of Bonding between Caesar and Cassius
Caesar and Cassius were born at Marataba and ruled for many years siring many young. When we found them they had finished eating a large Zebra which they had killed themselves. But it wasn't long before their pride arrived to feed on the remains.
Cassius and Cub, Bond For Life
Caesar and Cassius moved off the carcass and went to a nearby waterhole. We followed them and sat with them for an hour. In that time, I managed to capture wonderful intimate moments between the two big males and one of their cubs.
Cassius alpha male sits in regal pose with Cub posing in front.
It is not often you get to witness and photograph in open such behaviour. It was an amazing experience, even though these two massive Kalahari black-maned Lions are no longer with us. Their spirit and essence have been captured forever in these impressive fine-art prints.