I'm assuming we're all adults here, right?

As many of you know I frequent the San Diego Wild Animal Park near my home. This year they had two litters of lions within a couple of weeks of each other for a total of 7 new additions. I posted some photos back in February.

While shooting the cubs I had the opportunity to observe some of the behavior that will probably lead up to next years litter. This is the rather prolific male at the park courting (and consumating?) one of the females. As you can see there is not alot of sophistication in his approach.



The female begins to realize the real intentions of this brute.



It's hard to say just how willing she really is??



But if all goes well during this next year, we should see a little guy like this at the end of the year.



And you know he will appreciate all that his mom went through for him.



Geo

Hey George,

It looks like you had very good light to shoot these zoo pics. The one time I was in a wildlife park was south of Los Angeles (not sure which one it was). The impression that I got was that folks were never allowed in during 'decent light' periods. :P Were you on a special tour, or am I just completely wrong?

James

Thanks for the information. I was curious.

"BTW thanks for the feedback on this post. I was wondering if there was something wrong with it since I didn't get any replies. I posted this at DPR and had about 50 replies."

LOL, no problem. We are a small forum and more than likely never going to get 50 replies to a message. :P. However, you are right. I think that some folks may have felt uncomfortable responding due the graphic nature of the first couple of shots.

While I will admit that I definitely did think twice about the post initially, I decided that for the most part we are all adults and that it is natural behavior and not published in any inappropriate way. However, it does bring up a good question. So I am doubly glad that you posted this - not only for the great photos, but as an issue of protocol for the website.

Do we all think that shots like this should have a disclaimer in the subject thread, or completely leave it alone as a natural part and parcel of a nature photography website?

James

Geo,
great shots and good documentation. For those of us who breed dogs, this is not particularly graphic nor in poor taste. Heck, I've held two coupled dogs together for 20 minutes and didn't find that particularly disgusting either. Tiring, yes. But the end result is always worth the effort.

The current cub is very sweet. Great park as well. Reminds me of one in Louisville with good space and great places to actually photograph the animals.

Good post.

Jim

Quote:

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I know those Rotties are a handful, but how would you like to hold these two leos together for awhile ???

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Uh, no thanks! The Rotties may be big but at least they have no desire to eat me.

Jim

i love that last shot.

liz