Thank You Lionel

This was previously posted shortly after Lionel gave me less than 30 secs. of
his life. I guess it was the big 600mm lens that got his attention shortly
before he resumed what he did best (sleeping). He was my lion briefly
because no one else was at the fence. Over the months he's always been
sleeping with Cookie at his side and hasn't been very photo cooperative. Last
Thurs. neither of them were in the enclosure because the moat was being
refilled. I returned in a couple of hours and Cookie was out but by herself. I
spent about 20 minutes with her but didn't get any comps that I hadn't done
before. Sometimes she looked at me and other times she looked toward the
enclosure's gate, probably waiting for Lionel. Today's 5 o'clock news
announced that 23 year old LIonel had been ailing for several months and was
euthanized. The framed print of his majestic face with direct eye contact on
my wall that I walk past many times daily will always remind me a a special
few seconds at the zoo. If you like big African cats be sure to see "African
Cats" currently showing at theaters. Incredible filming.

Posted by Jeff Dye on Wed, 04/27/11 00:46
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Comments by Bruce Hunter on Wed, 04/27/11 02:09


Well, this certainly got my attention ! Wonderful shot... Thanks for sharing it and I enjoyed the commentary , as well.


Comments by S Roter on Wed, 04/27/11 08:14

Great shot Jeff, and thanks for the commentary.


Comments by Jan Bjorklund on Wed, 04/27/11 08:33

Wonderful head on shot Jeff and thank you for the commentary. That golden hue of the mane and the eye contact speaks majestic to me.


Comments by Alias on Thu, 04/28/11 15:01

Good composition
(guess there might be something to that "rule of thirds" thing after all ! ;-)

Good light
great color
excellent direct eye contact.

Beautiful eyes.
Splendid creature.

Sorry to hear that Lionel has passed on
but glad to know that he lived 23 years.

I am ambivalent about zoo shots
both seeing and making them.
As I am ambivalent about zoos.

I am fascinated and saddened by them.

This magnificent creature lived a very UN-natural life
although much more stress-free and pleasant than in zoos of old.

But he clearly made the case to countless throngs of people that wildlife deserves to live in protected wilderness.

It is THEIR world too.

Indeed,

"Thank You Lionel".