YES, STILL MY FAVORITE CAT...........the beautiful
leopard, one of 'the big five' and always an
awesome sight up close.
They say not to make eye contact with the African wild animals...........I usually refrain but it's difficult, if they stare at you it's really hard not to stare back at so much beauty. Going through the many photos I took of the leopards, this one was certainly staring up at me seated in the vehicle......look at those amazing golden eyes!
Did I stare back? I really can't recall....guess I was too busy capturing images with him being so close up.
Here you can see just how close these gorgeous animals come. Because we are viewed by them as one singular object as long as seated in the vehicle, they are not alarmed or concerned. Quiet talking and picture taking is fine, one just never stands up, shouts, waves, or makes sudden moves.....or more important tries to get out of the vehicle. The areas we visited have not allowed hunting in many years, this also makes the animals a lot more comfortable around humans.
Shadows of us in the vehicle - such a relaxed boy
enjoying the beach at the Sand River.
Hope you enjoy these images of the leopards - for
more info on these magnificent cats, and to view a handsome male up a tree, see this post from
my 2010 sightings.
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