Masaii Mara, Kenya ~ one of my favorite sightings, this leopard and her young cub in a tree, with an ostrich leg. Mom was protective of the meal at first but eventually let the little one get some licks in. You can see the desire in the eyes of the cub as they lick their lips in anticipation.

Mala Mala, South Africa ~ You think your family is intimidating.. this full pride of lions lined up staring through us to where the two males of their pride were heard calling in the distance. With so many cubs the lioness’ were on high alert.

Ladakh, India ~ Nicknamed the “Ghost of the Himalayas”, the elusive snow leopard is one of the hardest cats to photograph on earth, living in some of the harshest terrain on the planet.

This photo was taken with a 600 mm lens and a 2x extender in the shadow of K2. Took my breath away. Still does.

Volcanoes Natl Park, Rwanda ~ the mountain gorillas have been on a rollercoaster the last 100 years. Near extinction, they have come storming back. A complicated balance of tourism and conservation and politics worth some research. This young female came close to me and promptly laid down for a nap.

Samburu, Kenya ~ after a few days of very few elephants, we spotted the herd on the far side of the river beginning to cross. A couple young males got in a spat, one standing guard and letting over 100 other elephants pass but not his adversary. An olive branch trunk tap finally ending their spat.