The Hanyile male leopard always inspired a sense of wonder.
I was lucky enough to witness his growth from bumbling, curious cub, to marauding dominant male leopard.
I was lucky enough to witness his growth from bumbling, curious cub, to marauding dominant male leopard.
Hanyile: Focus
This was captured as he was confidently marking his territory along an animal trail. He was so incredibly focused, with his eyes fixed firmly ahead as he weaved his way along the trails he knew so well.
This was captured as he was confidently marking his territory along an animal trail. He was so incredibly focused, with his eyes fixed firmly ahead as he weaved his way along the trails he knew so well.
Afternoon Delight
This scene was like something from a dream. Hanyile walked across a dry mudpan that was surrounded by dead trees. There was so much brown; so much shadow, except for a sliver of golden afternoon light shining on one of the dead trees. As if on cue, he walked straight up to the tree, and lent in to investigate the scent of another leopard, emerging into the limelight as he did so.
This scene was like something from a dream. Hanyile walked across a dry mudpan that was surrounded by dead trees. There was so much brown; so much shadow, except for a sliver of golden afternoon light shining on one of the dead trees. As if on cue, he walked straight up to the tree, and lent in to investigate the scent of another leopard, emerging into the limelight as he did so.
Hanyile: Focus
Afternoon Delight
Sunset Hunter
Jackalberry Daydreams
Sunset Hunter
This moment resonated with me deeply: He was watching a herd of Nyala antelope as they calmly fed nearby, and considering his different approaches to begin the hunt. He watched them for about 10 minutes, and eventually decided against attempting to the unsuspecting antelope. In that moment, I thought of all the animals which may have survived only because their hunter decided against pursuing them that day. He slunk off into the shadows, and the Nyala had never known that he was there.
This moment resonated with me deeply: He was watching a herd of Nyala antelope as they calmly fed nearby, and considering his different approaches to begin the hunt. He watched them for about 10 minutes, and eventually decided against attempting to the unsuspecting antelope. In that moment, I thought of all the animals which may have survived only because their hunter decided against pursuing them that day. He slunk off into the shadows, and the Nyala had never known that he was there.
Jackalberry Daydreams
Hanyile resting in the curve of a gracious Jackalberry tree. He had the remains of an antelope in the tree with him, and was taking a break from feeding in order to rest and gaze warily at the Spotted Hyenas which were gathering below.
Hanyile resting in the curve of a gracious Jackalberry tree. He had the remains of an antelope in the tree with him, and was taking a break from feeding in order to rest and gaze warily at the Spotted Hyenas which were gathering below.