23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Dine with the Dragons

Murky waters erupt, teeth and piercing eyes, scale-armored bodies emerge from the waves. The enormous crocodiles of the Mara take the river toll. Two hundred million years of evolutionary perfection have claimed their prize again. This day an unfortunate topi is on the menu, and everyone is there for a piece. Observing their timeless choreography from the safety of the riverbank felt like witnessing something eternal.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Kenya
Copyright: © Fabian Meckl