Photo and caption by Rashmi Mahanta

We were looking for a proper view of the Masai Lion with the signature black mane this June in Masai Mara almost for the entire day. Finally we came across this large pride with one really big male Lion. The cubs and the female Lions moved around while this male Lion sat lazily in a slightly elevated bush and observed them. This image, I felt conveyed a sense of protection for the pride where this elegant Lion is in the background yet exudes authority and care while the focus is on the cub(s).

Location: Masai Mara, Kenya