Ginger

[PentUp]

Image taken the same night as my 'Avatar' image... this is my avatar's brother nicknamed "Ginger". Ginger was usually more relaxed than his brother "Spice", who always kept a sharp eye on me at all times.
This was in October 2018 (thanks to Covid and airline disruption, I haven't been back since), and they were both mature boys back then. Having been evicted from the previous pride that they controlled, they had taken over a new pride in a different area. But that reign was bound to end at some point. I often look at these photos and wonder what their fate was? Probably not pleasant, but alas such is the lot of wild lions.

• PENTAX PENTAX K-5 II
• ƒ/2.8
• 93mm
• 1/80s
• ISO 2500

Pentax K5II, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM II Macro.
93mm F/2.8, 1/80 sec, ISO-2500, Exp -2.

 

[RichDitch]

I sense that I've stumbled into the middle of a story. For others here like me who do not know you please tell us more about the background of your association with a pair of lions!

 

[PentUp]

I sense that I've stumbled into the middle of a story. For others here like me who do not know you please tell us more about the background of your association with a pair of lions!

Not much of a story with regard to these two particular lions.
I was born in Zambia and grew up there. My father was a professional hunter and game ranger so I spent my childhood and youth in some of the most wild and remote areas of Zambia.
My family migrated to Australia where I went to university and still live & work, however I return to Zambia as often as life, work and finances will allow, where I still have friends who are in the photographic safari business. This photo was taken in the South Luangwa National Park in October 2018, the last time I was back with my wife & son. This (above) lion and his brother were the dominant males of the area where the camp we were in was situated (Manzi River / Puku Plain area), having recently deposed a single male (below) from his pride. The professional guide at that camp, who I have known for years was adept at tracking them down (which wasn't too difficult given that 'Ginger & Spice' roared to announce their location almost every night), so we spent a bit of time with them.

The deposed walking his lonely walk:

• PENTAX PENTAX K-5 II
• ƒ/6.3
• 330mm
• 1/400s
• ISO 200

• PENTAX PENTAX K-5 II
• ƒ/6.3
• 330mm
• 1/400s
• ISO 200

• PENTAX PENTAX K-5 II
• ƒ/6.3
• 170mm
• 1/400s
• ISO 320

However, the irony was that whenever 'Ginger and Spice' were away patroling their territory (or intruding on neighbouring territories), the Deposed would return and 'get it on' with the females of his former pride, who apparentl;y seemed to enjoy having him back... Sometimes life in the wild is more of a story than Disney can put out

Pentax K5II, Sigma 50-500mm DG OS HSM

 

[RichDitch]

Thanks for the story. One of the nicest things about these photo forums is getting to see and hear the stories of people and places of other people.

 

[James O'Neill]

That first shot of the "deposed" lion is superb.

 

[PentUp]

That first shot of the "deposed" lion is superb.

Thanks mate, I like that one too.

 

[nzmacro]

Not much of a story with regard to these two particular lions.
I was born in Zambia and grew up there. My father was a professional hunter and game ranger so I spent my childhood and youth in some of the most wild and remote areas of Zambia.
My family migrated to Australia where I went to university and still live & work, however I return to Zambia as often as life, work and finances will allow, where I still have friends who are in the photographic safari business. This photo was taken in the South Luangwa National Park in October 2018, the last time I was back with my wife & son. This (above) lion and his brother were the dominant males of the area where the camp we were in was situated (Manzi River / Puku Plain area), having recently deposed a single male (below) from his pride. The professional guide at that camp, who I have known for years was adept at tracking them down (which wasn't too difficult given that 'Ginger & Spice' roared to announce their location almost every night), so we spent a bit of time with them.

The deposed walking his lonely walk:
View attachment 461View attachment 462View attachment 463

However, the irony was that whenever 'Ginger and Spice' were away patroling their territory (or intruding on neighbouring territories), the Deposed would return and 'get it on' with the females of his former pride, who apparentl;y seemed to enjoy having him back... Sometimes life in the wild is more of a story than Disney can put out

Pentax K5II, Sigma 50-500mm DG OS HSM

Now that's one very interesting read and a huge thanks for that and the member asking, so I could find out. Pretty sure I know you from DPR anyway and especially if you live just over the Tassie, but that is one heck of an insite. Love it!

Danny.

 

[PentUp]

A fair bit over the Tassie mate, Perth.

 

[Ozdean]

I appreciated your story PU and great shots of course.

 

[PentUp]

I appreciated your story PU and great shots of course.

Thanks Dean. Looking forward to seeing more of your stunning bird photography mate,