Tanzania, 2023

We came across a large lion pride feeding in the early morning in Tarangire National Park’s backcountry: one large male and his family. Off in the distance, I could see a female with a full belly sitting in the morning light. She was hyperfocused on me. Keeping a safe distance, I used my 600mm lens to capture her beautiful eyes against the dry brush. I am no expert, but she looks more than full; she looks potentially pregnant. Open Edition copyright Derek Nielsen Photography.