19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Chimera

A mythical creature from Greek mythology, composed from the body parts of different animals. Usually has the head/body of a lion and the tail of snake... My best friend saw it from afar. A single lion, lying under a bush, looking for shade. At this point we were slightly overwhelmed with the view of sleeping lions but still went to check it out. It turned out to be the last lion to leave, in a group of 9. It was the Sala’s pride. Sala means “prayer” in Swahili but is also a camp in the Mara. Many times prides bear the name of a close landmark. Another reminder never to underestimate and try to exploit every opportunity, no matter how small and distant it may seem at first glance...

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Kenya
Camera: ILCE-9
Copyright: © Tihomir Trichkov