I can’t be sure of course, but I think this young lion we saw in March while visiting the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park was only this charming because he wanted us to hang around for breakfast…
Young male lion next to the road near the White Imfolozi River
Young male lion next to the road near the White Imfolozi River
What is he thinking about? (photo by Joubert)
Licking his lips now…
Young male lion, giving us the eye
“How you doin’?”
DeWetsWild 
Ag, dis pragtige foto’s! Daai knipoog is net om julle rustig te maak … 😉
Ons het gelukkig nie vir sy charm geval nie…
😁
He is a handsome fellow and life can be tough for young male lions after they disperse from their pride. It is a thrill when lions make eye contact like that – very special and special photos too.
As you say, Carol – crossing paths with a wild lion is always special. I’m not certain that this youngster has become independent yet – the pride females were lying on the banks of the White Umfolozi River not a kilometer from him, and they were regularly roaring to-and-fro.
Poor chap doesn’t yet know what’s in store for him. Perhaps he has a brother he will be able to disperse from the pride with in due course.
Toe knipoog hy so ewe vir julle!
So parmant! Was seker maar n lastige vlieg wat ek vir hierdie oulike foto moet bedank, Tannie Frannie.
Pragtige leeumannetjie! Lyk gans en al te rustig waar hy daar le!
Jy was eintlik nog heel jonk, Aletta, en dis duidelik wanneer hy volgroeid is gaan hy manjifiek wees!
Ek kan dit dink! 🙄
A handsome rogue…but don’t be fooled by that wink, eh?
No, that’s all to lull you into a false sense of security… Must’ve been a pesky fly, but the shutter clicked at the right moment and this the result.
Beautiful animal… and I’m sure if the opportunity arose for a decent breakfast, he’d have taken up on it.
I’m sure of that too, John!
Incredibly majestic.
And he’s still a growing boy!
Wonderful images Dries and such a beautiful young lion! He looks as if he is trying to connect with you soul to soul 🦁
Thanks, Xenia. In a place as magical as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, that might just be possible!
Let’s not forget that these animals are wild even if they look “cute”. 🙂
Oh absolutely H.J. He might have seemed relaxed and still was quite young, but he was immense and would’ve reacted immediately if we were to leave the vehicle.
Love the shots. I’m wondering what he thought the main course would have been for that breakfast. 🙂
I suppose I would’ve been, Janet. I can’t imagine Joubert would’ve filled his tummy. 😀
😂😂😂
Reminds me of that ‘Silence of the Lambs’ quote where Hannibal Lecter says, “I’m having an old friend for dinner.” 😮 Wonderful photos, though!
That really is a spine-chilling movie..!