LITTLE EMPEROR 👣

Scenting the still late afternoon air, a little emperor sets the scene for the next generation of his pride.

In the musky late afternoon air, a lion cub scents the approaching dusk as the pride quietly lays at rest.

Following this lion pride was an incredible experience. Their presence in this area of the wilderness is well known and respected by all. During my time with them, the cubs of the pride remained among the adults, most of whom were asleep, with one or two busily exploring nearby, either chasing grasshoppers or clambering over some lionesses. This little cub chose to remain close to the dominant male. He followed him around and greeted him occasionally whenever they moved around, usually to find a cooler spot. For me, this moment represented a blending of the present and the future as he grimaced and scented the musky air in my direction.

So what does scenting or grimacing mean? When lions smell, they tilt their heads up and then bare their teeth by lifting up their top lips. This interesting lion behaviour is called a flehmen grimace or flehmen response, an expression that makes the animal look like it is smiling or grimacing. The name is derived from German and means "bare upper teeth." The lion sucks air in through its front teeth and forces it over an area in the roof of its mouth called the Jacobson's organ or vomeronasal organ (VNO). This organ decodes the pheromones and other scents around it.

RAW AFRICA COLLECTION

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.