A hidden camera, cleverly disguised in grass and leaves, has captured extraordinary images of a lion pride in East Africa’s national parks.
One striking photo features a curious lion cub lifting its paw to investigate the camera while the rest of the pride relaxes under the midday sun.
An African lion gazes directly into the lens in a scene that almost resembles a selfie. Another image shows a male lion yawning ferociously just inches away from the camera, while a different shot captures a big cat appearing to smile.
The youngest lions in the pride seem the most intrigued by the device. They approach it, inspecting the lens with one even reaching out to touch it.
This camera, operated remotely from a nearby vehicle, can be moved to draw the attention of the pride.
It allows British photographer Angus Stead, 42, from Leeds, to safely capture intimate, close-up shots of the top predators without disturbing them.
Stead explains, “The camera is camouflaged so it can get close to the lions without scaring them. Lions are naturally curious, and the younger ones tend to engage with the moving ‘bush’ they see. Adults usually lose interest quickly, but the cubs stay fascinated much longer.”
The best time to photograph these majestic creatures, according to Stead, is in the heat of the midday sun when they are less active. “Lions are more relaxed at that time, and less likely to play with—or damage—the camera.”
Stead adds that the low camera angle and wide perspective offer a unique view of the lions, giving viewers a sense of what it’s like to see through the eyes of a big cat.
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