To anyone who was following the news yesterday, or tuned in to any social media platform, it’s pretty obvious why I’m posting this shot today. This is the most majestic male lion that I have ever seen. His name was Notch and he ruled the Masai Mara. This one goes out to his counterpart down in Zimbabwe. Lion numbers, as well as all big cats, continue to decline in the wild. The fact that trophy hunting is still allowed in many African countries boggles the mind. But what’s even more unfathomable to me is the fact that certain humans actually derive pleasure out of killing these beautiful creatures — for sport, no less. I post everyday to bring the awesomeness of the wild world to the subscribers of this blog, not to make any sort of political statement. But after yesterday’s firestorm over Cecil the lion, I thought it appropriate to speak out today. It’s time to ban trophy hunting of all endangered species in all countries. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 240mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS GORGEOUS FELLOW, SEAN. i LOOK AT YOUR POSTS EVERY DAY AND REALLY LIKE THEM, SOMETIMES, OFTEN, I LOVE THEM. THIS ONE ESPECIALLY TOUCHES MY HEART BECAUSE OF THE GREAT LOSS OF CECIL.
I can’t even bring myself to read the story you mnetioned. This post says it all, your photos capture the beauty these majestic animals possess, along with the hundreds of other animals you photograph. Thanks for sharing them with the world!
It was devastating news about Cecil the Lion. How mankind can continue to slaughter the innocent animals of the world defies reason. Don’t “they” get that we can’t simply wave a magic wand and restore Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, etc. once their species are destroyed? And as long as I have “the stage”, don’t “they” also get that whales, dolphins and porpoises have no business being caged in swimming pools? Really, people!
Sean, your comment is timely and your posting of the photo of beautiful Notch the Masai Mara Lion is stellar. May your message reach the thoughtless among us so we will always have the pleasure of watching with great wonder and photographing others like Cecil and Notch.
Thanks Sue. I’m currently trying to use my position as a creative director at New York’s largest ad agency to effect some change in this area. I can’t quite talk about what we’re up to yet, but stay tuned.
I applaud your efforts along those lines, Sean. Photography is an elegant and eloquent way to underscore the urgency of issues of conservation and wildlife preservation – issues that clearly resonate with legions of people. Just look at the response this one posting of yours has elicited. Feel empowered because you are!
great pic. I think we need to ecuate the publick about the wild amimanals, and not kill[ them,unless they p=lan o-n eating the meat and feeding the who-le tribe ect. for the year.
It’s sad to think if this slaughter of lions, elephants, rhinos and apes continues, in twenty years or less, photographs, stuffed animals and zoos will be the only evidence of once was. Whether you like it or not your photographs are political. You should be proud that your are giving a voice to life endangered.
Thanks Michael. I keep thinking of the Tasmanian tiger. Most people have never heard of it, but it existed until at least 1936 when the last known individual died at the Hobart zoo. We tend to think that lions and other animals we love will be here forever, and they won’t unless we change the current course that we are on.
I often ask me, how poor must some humans feel, when they need to kill beautiful animals, only to feel mighty and superior. Very sad.
Go ahead with both, being politcal and aesthetic. Great thanks!
When I heard yesterday’s horrible news, the killer was a dentist from a “helping” profession no less, I immediately thought of you, Sean, and your devotion to wild animals. Never lose your love and concern for them. The above posts already indicate that your followers agree with you. I am sure many more friends of the blog will weigh in before this days is done. I know how much it takes to provoke you, and I completely understand your passion this morning! Such a beautiful creature you have given us today.
Well said Seanie. I was disgusted when I heard the news about Cecil, and, like Mom I thought of you immediately. This picture is beautiful as are all of your photos!
Thanks for your beautiful and positive response to the news of the senseless killing yesterday. We can’t bring Cecil back, but you are helping raise awareness of this disgusting practice while bringing more beauty to the world. I love your work!
It’s a beautiful shot, Sean and thank you for talking about Cecil. His story breaks my heart. Not only did he suffer for almost 40 hours, his death will in all likelihood impact his cubs and the females in his pride. I hope this dentist gets more than just a fine. He should be held accountable for his actions.
Excellent point Maria. Cecil has several cubs right now. When a male lion is killed, his rival will sometimes move in, kill his cubs and take over the pride. So these trophy hunters aren’t just killing one lion (bad enough) but several in certain circumstances.
A couple of years ago, National Geographic said that 600 lions are killed by trophy hunters EVERY YEAR!
May the killing of Cecil, along with the beautiful photography of Sean and his compatriots, inspire people to bring an end to this Inhumane practice.
(PS I’ll bet the dentist who killed Cecil will end up with no patients.)
When I showed today’s photo to my 19 month old son, first he roared, then he kissed it. Kisses across the spirit plane to great Cecil…and to all majestic creatures who are threatened by the selfish, thoughtless acts of cowardly men. My son will grow up knowing the sacredness of all life with help from all your beautiful images Sean.
Sean, I hope it will bring comfort to know that Cecil’s death will not be in vain. This news has brought international attention and so many people are now aware of the brutal and cruel practice of trophy hunting. We can only hope that enough people will take action to change the laws.
So saddened by what happened to Cecil and all the other animal victims of humans.
I have signed several petitions against trophy hunting and for animal protections.
Luring a lion away from safety with a dead animal tied to a truck in order to kill him, is a bastardization of the notion of “sport”. We can only hope that Cecil’s horrific death will be a harbinger for the end of trophy hunting. But I fear that only money talks in such poor places in the world.
Sean your art and life celebrate the beauty of so many incredible creatures. Teaching each of us how to pause and appreciate the true treasures and wonders of our walk on this Earth. Thank you. What a magnificent incredible animal deserving of our utmost diligent stewardship, as all creatures of this earth truly are.
So many of us R on your side in this awful loss for generations to come
There is no sport in what was done not courage in the one who did this
If this creatures life was given to bring more awareness to this problem then the Legacy of The King of the Jungle will last forever
Sean, you’re absolutely right, l’m with you all the way. What about if the hunter was put into a position where overwhelming firepower gave him no chance-such as being locked into an enclosure with a lion & several of his pals? The ‘Hunter/Coward’ didn’t do the lion on his own so fair is fair that the lion has a few of his pals helping him?
I haven’t seen his name published, can anybody Post it. If he thinks he did the right thing he’ll probably be proud that it’s put in the Public domain, that’s how l’d feel if l thought l did something great, wouldn’t most people?
Keep up the good work by bringing your photos to us all, it’s a great help to support the animals & our biosphere.
ciao, Con
It is perfectly legal book a safari in Africa. The governments make money off of this as do the hunting guides who are supposed to put you onto a legal animal. The guides are highly regulated and you had better make a clean kill. If you shoot and the animal runs off, the guide takes you to where the animal was spotted and if there is one drop of blood found, you have bought the animal whether you ever find your trophy or not. “Cecil” should have been better cared for if he is so important to these people. It would appear the guide is guilty of poaching.
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To anyone who was following the news yesterday, or tuned in to any social media platform, it’s pretty obvious why I’m posting this shot today. This is the most majestic male lion that I have ever seen. His name was Notch and he ruled the Masai Mara. This one goes out to his counterpart down in Zimbabwe. Lion numbers, as well as all big cats, continue to decline in the wild. The fact that trophy hunting is still allowed in many African countries boggles the mind. But what’s even more unfathomable to me is the fact that certain humans actually derive pleasure out of killing these beautiful creatures — for sport, no less. I post everyday to bring the awesomeness of the wild world to the subscribers of this blog, not to make any sort of political statement. But after yesterday’s firestorm over Cecil the lion, I thought it appropriate to speak out today. It’s time to ban trophy hunting of all endangered species in all countries.
THANKS FOR POSTING THIS GORGEOUS FELLOW, SEAN. i LOOK AT YOUR POSTS EVERY DAY AND REALLY LIKE THEM, SOMETIMES, OFTEN, I LOVE THEM. THIS ONE ESPECIALLY TOUCHES MY HEART BECAUSE OF THE GREAT LOSS OF CECIL.
Thanks Judy. Nice to hear from you.
Totally agree with you about banning trophy hunting. Long overdue. Love your photos.
Thanks Rick. As someone said on my Instagram photo of a lion today, “this is the only way to shoot a lion.”
I can’t even bring myself to read the story you mnetioned. This post says it all, your photos capture the beauty these majestic animals possess, along with the hundreds of other animals you photograph. Thanks for sharing them with the world!
Thanks TG. And thanks for sharing out to your Facebook page. I see it has generated quite a bit of discussion.
It was devastating news about Cecil the Lion. How mankind can continue to slaughter the innocent animals of the world defies reason. Don’t “they” get that we can’t simply wave a magic wand and restore Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, etc. once their species are destroyed? And as long as I have “the stage”, don’t “they” also get that whales, dolphins and porpoises have no business being caged in swimming pools? Really, people!
Sean, your comment is timely and your posting of the photo of beautiful Notch the Masai Mara Lion is stellar. May your message reach the thoughtless among us so we will always have the pleasure of watching with great wonder and photographing others like Cecil and Notch.
Thanks Sue. I’m currently trying to use my position as a creative director at New York’s largest ad agency to effect some change in this area. I can’t quite talk about what we’re up to yet, but stay tuned.
I applaud your efforts along those lines, Sean. Photography is an elegant and eloquent way to underscore the urgency of issues of conservation and wildlife preservation – issues that clearly resonate with legions of people. Just look at the response this one posting of yours has elicited. Feel empowered because you are!
great pic. I think we need to ecuate the publick about the wild amimanals, and not kill[ them,unless they p=lan o-n eating the meat and feeding the who-le tribe ect. for the year.
I agree Michael. But for endangered species, we shouldn’t be hunting them at all for sport or otherwise. Thanks for the continued support of my blog.
It’s sad to think if this slaughter of lions, elephants, rhinos and apes continues, in twenty years or less, photographs, stuffed animals and zoos will be the only evidence of once was. Whether you like it or not your photographs are political. You should be proud that your are giving a voice to life endangered.
Thanks Michael. I keep thinking of the Tasmanian tiger. Most people have never heard of it, but it existed until at least 1936 when the last known individual died at the Hobart zoo. We tend to think that lions and other animals we love will be here forever, and they won’t unless we change the current course that we are on.
Fully agree Sean, thanks for bringing this to people’s attention. It’s time to stop trophy hunting full stop. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Steve. And no doubt, people need to hear what is happening out there.
I often ask me, how poor must some humans feel, when they need to kill beautiful animals, only to feel mighty and superior. Very sad.
Go ahead with both, being politcal and aesthetic. Great thanks!
Thanks Gerlinde.
Great and small powerful
Cute and ugly each evolved to
Not by hubris be lost .
Thanks Peter. Well said.
Thanks for alerting me, as I wasn’t aware about Cecil.
When I heard yesterday’s horrible news, the killer was a dentist from a “helping” profession no less, I immediately thought of you, Sean, and your devotion to wild animals. Never lose your love and concern for them. The above posts already indicate that your followers agree with you. I am sure many more friends of the blog will weigh in before this days is done. I know how much it takes to provoke you, and I completely understand your passion this morning! Such a beautiful creature you have given us today.
Thanks Mom. Did you see Jimmy Kimmel almost breaking down over it on his show last night. Check it out here https://youtu.be/_LzXpE1mjqA.
Well said Seanie. I was disgusted when I heard the news about Cecil, and, like Mom I thought of you immediately. This picture is beautiful as are all of your photos!
Thanks Mo.
Thanks for your beautiful and positive response to the news of the senseless killing yesterday. We can’t bring Cecil back, but you are helping raise awareness of this disgusting practice while bringing more beauty to the world. I love your work!
It’s a beautiful shot, Sean and thank you for talking about Cecil. His story breaks my heart. Not only did he suffer for almost 40 hours, his death will in all likelihood impact his cubs and the females in his pride. I hope this dentist gets more than just a fine. He should be held accountable for his actions.
Excellent point Maria. Cecil has several cubs right now. When a male lion is killed, his rival will sometimes move in, kill his cubs and take over the pride. So these trophy hunters aren’t just killing one lion (bad enough) but several in certain circumstances.
Couldn’t agree with you more Sean. I’m just disgusted by people sometimes.
A couple of years ago, National Geographic said that 600 lions are killed by trophy hunters EVERY YEAR!
May the killing of Cecil, along with the beautiful photography of Sean and his compatriots, inspire people to bring an end to this Inhumane practice.
(PS I’ll bet the dentist who killed Cecil will end up with no patients.)
Thanks, Sean. Am so sad about Cecil and the very existence of trophy hunters…
Your photo lifted me up.
Still sad, though.
Thanks Dr. Nulton. Hope all is well.
When I showed today’s photo to my 19 month old son, first he roared, then he kissed it. Kisses across the spirit plane to great Cecil…and to all majestic creatures who are threatened by the selfish, thoughtless acts of cowardly men. My son will grow up knowing the sacredness of all life with help from all your beautiful images Sean.
Thanks Amanda. Sounds like your son is quite a guy. Touching comment.
Well said.
Sean, I hope it will bring comfort to know that Cecil’s death will not be in vain. This news has brought international attention and so many people are now aware of the brutal and cruel practice of trophy hunting. We can only hope that enough people will take action to change the laws.
That’s true. Hopefully everyone doesn’t forget about it after the news cycle dies down.
I’m into it.
Thanks, Sean.
I am so angry and sad about Cecil. Thank you for doing what you do. Your photographs are amazing.
Thanks Dale.
Thank you for posting Sean. Anyone interested please sign a petition online to punish the hunter and stop trophy hunting.
Nice pugs.
So saddened by what happened to Cecil and all the other animal victims of humans.
I have signed several petitions against trophy hunting and for animal protections.
Thanks Jeanne. Every bit helps.
Beautifully said and right on point! This was an absolute tragedy!
Leo’s Rule!
Thanks Ronnette.
It’s truly a disgusting “sport” and there’s no excuse for it. Beautiful photo and post, Crane!
Agree. It makes me feel sick inside.
Luring a lion away from safety with a dead animal tied to a truck in order to kill him, is a bastardization of the notion of “sport”. We can only hope that Cecil’s horrific death will be a harbinger for the end of trophy hunting. But I fear that only money talks in such poor places in the world.
Sean your art and life celebrate the beauty of so many incredible creatures. Teaching each of us how to pause and appreciate the true treasures and wonders of our walk on this Earth. Thank you. What a magnificent incredible animal deserving of our utmost diligent stewardship, as all creatures of this earth truly are.
There is no skill in tricking an animal to death, but there should be consequences.
So many of us R on your side in this awful loss for generations to come
There is no sport in what was done not courage in the one who did this
If this creatures life was given to bring more awareness to this problem then the Legacy of The King of the Jungle will last forever
Totally agree with you. This has to end for good. Anyone who thinks trophy hunting is a good thing is ignorant.
Sean, you’re absolutely right, l’m with you all the way. What about if the hunter was put into a position where overwhelming firepower gave him no chance-such as being locked into an enclosure with a lion & several of his pals? The ‘Hunter/Coward’ didn’t do the lion on his own so fair is fair that the lion has a few of his pals helping him?
I haven’t seen his name published, can anybody Post it. If he thinks he did the right thing he’ll probably be proud that it’s put in the Public domain, that’s how l’d feel if l thought l did something great, wouldn’t most people?
Keep up the good work by bringing your photos to us all, it’s a great help to support the animals & our biosphere.
ciao, Con
Thanks Con. Interesting thought. And as you say, fair is fair.
It is perfectly legal book a safari in Africa. The governments make money off of this as do the hunting guides who are supposed to put you onto a legal animal. The guides are highly regulated and you had better make a clean kill. If you shoot and the animal runs off, the guide takes you to where the animal was spotted and if there is one drop of blood found, you have bought the animal whether you ever find your trophy or not. “Cecil” should have been better cared for if he is so important to these people. It would appear the guide is guilty of poaching.