23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
The predator

The lion was walking towards a waterhole, unconcerned with the springbok behind it. They however were very concerned about her. As we followed the lion we discovered she had recently killed a large oryx, which is not doubt why she was more interested in satiating her thirst than pursuing the springbok.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Namibia
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Frances Valdes