Simon Needham, a photographer who has captured breathtaking images of lions, rhinos, and tigers, warns that these magnificent animals may not be around much longer.
Despite the beauty in his photos, Simon is concerned about their survival due to the increasing threats they face.
Originally from Leeds and now based in Los Angeles, Simon has taken many striking pictures in African sanctuaries and reserves dedicated to wildlife conservation. He hopes his photography will raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these animals.
Speaking with MailOnline Travel, Simon shared, “Wildlife populations are plummeting at an alarming rate.
If action isn’t taken soon, we may only see these creatures in books or zoos.” He pointed to habitat loss as a significant issue, noting that animals are left with fewer places to live as humans continue to expand.
He also mentioned how complex conservation efforts can be. “Many people ask why we don’t just release animals back into the wild, but the truth is, there’s hardly any wild spaces left for them, and poaching remains a serious threat.”
Simon, who began focusing on wildlife photography in 2017, is also a commercial and fine art photographer with a strong Instagram following of nearly 23,000 people. Big cats, especially lions, hold a special place in his heart.
He explained, “Lions have always fascinated me for their beauty and power. They’re often portrayed as magical and powerful creatures in books and films, and getting to know them up close only reinforces that.”
However, photographing lions comes with its challenges. Simon shared his first encounter with a lion at South Africa’s Glen Garriff lion sanctuary, where he was only six feet away from a massive male lion.
Though separated by a fence, the experience left a lasting impression on him. “When the lion jumped up and growled, it was a shock, even with the fence between us. I’m more confident around them now, but safety always comes first.”
Rhinos, on the other hand, are the most challenging to photograph, according to Simon. “It’s tough to capture their emotions. They have distinct personalities, but expressing that through a photo can be difficult.”
Shooting wildlife requires patience and effort. “It’s not just about finding the animals, but also the right lighting and waiting for that perfect moment when something extraordinary happens,” he said.
Simon looks forward to returning to Africa once travel restrictions ease, with plans to photograph other species like gorillas, orangutans, and pangolins.
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