Cats - 1

 There are always compromises when you are out on a game drive. There is only so much time and the areas covered are huge. You are trying hard to stay away from other groups in the area and yet everyone wants to see everything there is to see. I was a little disappointed that we did not get to view the female lions with their cubs that others in nearby camps saw but on the other hand, we had two amazing opportunities to see a group of four male lions - brothers, according to our guide.

Apparently the four are pretty mature and they have been hunting together since birth. Both times we observed the animals there were three who spent most of the time sleeping while the largest animal in the group was more active. Most of their hunting is done at night and just like house cats, they spend a considerable portion of each 24 hour period resting and sleeping. In the first photo above you can see two of the brothers doing what cats do. The animal in front is obviously very relaxed and oblivious to our presence.

 The largest, most active brother was battle scarred, especially on his nose. When we saw him the first evening he was relaxed but aware.

 When we came across the group in a totally different area the next morning, the three were again snoozing while the larger lion seemed to stand guard. Blood from his night-time kill was obvious on the hair of his chin and as we watched he did another very cat-like thing - he threw up a "hairball" that we discovered contained a considerable amount of bone and fur, probably from his prey.

 It was a little unnerving to see the big cat lick his lips as he looked our way but I don't think it had anything to do with us. And the pose below may look fierce but in reality it was just a great big yawn!