About the Exhibition
I have long been intrigued by the way various wild animals care for their young in the harsh and often hostile environment of Africa. Undoubtedly, their success is influenced by many factors be the animal a predator or ruminant. At one extreme stands the lion - the undisputed top predator. Although relatively few in number, the male will not hesitate to kill the young of other males to make way for his own. By contrast, the bond between the lioness and her cubs transcends this behaviour. Not only will she defend her own cubs but also suckle the cubs of other females within the pride. The lioness pictured with the cub may well be interacting with any cub within the pride, however the cub pictured with the male lion is undoubtedly his own. The cub will learn many skills from it’s father.
At the other extreme are the ruminants which, as a target animal, adopt a completely different approach. For example, after giving birth, the giraffe will almost immediately walk away to encourage the baby to struggle to it’s feet and follow. This apparently indifferent behaviour is common to ruminants and is often misinterpreted as poor parenting. However as the smell at the birth site attracts predators, it is imperative the vulnerable youngster get to it’s feet and move away without delay. Only when they have reached a relatively safe area will the mother feed and interact with the newborn giraffe. The male plays no part in the youngster’s upbringing.
Although most animals fall within these extremes, most have one factor in common. They develop a very close bond with adults in order to learn essential life and survival skills. Regrettably, many don’t make it to adulthood.
I am very privileged to have regularly witnessed this bonding behaviour. With these images, I have sought to capture those magical, often fleeting moments between adult animals and Mtoto Wanyama.
Limited Edition Prints - Total of 15 per Image
At the other extreme are the ruminants which, as a target animal, adopt a completely different approach. For example, after giving birth, the giraffe will almost immediately walk away to encourage the baby to struggle to it’s feet and follow. This apparently indifferent behaviour is common to ruminants and is often misinterpreted as poor parenting. However as the smell at the birth site attracts predators, it is imperative the vulnerable youngster get to it’s feet and move away without delay. Only when they have reached a relatively safe area will the mother feed and interact with the newborn giraffe. The male plays no part in the youngster’s upbringing.
Although most animals fall within these extremes, most have one factor in common. They develop a very close bond with adults in order to learn essential life and survival skills. Regrettably, many don’t make it to adulthood.
I am very privileged to have regularly witnessed this bonding behaviour. With these images, I have sought to capture those magical, often fleeting moments between adult animals and Mtoto Wanyama.
Limited Edition Prints - Total of 15 per Image