Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Silverback-Hirwa Family Group

While visiting Rwanda in 2018, I was fortunate enough to knock one of my all time favorite "To Dos" from my Bucket List. Gorilla Trekking has always been a dream of mine, so to be able to visit these gentle giants was a dream come true. As I was visiting the Hirwa Family group, I took this photo of the leader, protector, and loving father of the clan. A humbling experience indeed and one that I will never forget. His eyes says it all. "Hello strange visitor. Welcome to the family. Please make yourself at comfortable. But don't not too comfortable."

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2018
Date Uploaded: 09.2022
Photo Location: Rwanda
Camera: Canon EOS 80D
Copyright: © Eduardo Flores