Photograph: Phillip Wenzel. Use only by agreement.

From the archive

Closeness in the sand: Two lions mating in the Kgalagadi, a brief glimpse of an undisturbed moment.

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Where it was taken

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Where that is

Borders: Natural Earth

More from the collection

Side by side: The cheetah brothers stand close together and observe their surroundings attentively.

A curious look: The young lion cub studies its surroundings attentively.

Among elands: Two elands stand in the pasture. Elands are among the largest antelopes in Africa; the related giant eland is considered the largest antelope species in the world. With every step, their cloven hooves can make an audible clicking sound.

Grace of the Plains

A young lioness drinking at the water, her reflection below

Silent Reflection

A mischievous look: One of the cheetah brothers peers out from between the tall stalks. With his mouth slightly open, he looks almost as if he is up to some mischief.

Joy in the Wild

A box seat in the treetop: High up among the branches, the leopard lies surveying its surroundings.

Four eyes see more than two: Two young cheetahs sit close together and keep a watchful lookout over the tall grass.

Relaxing together: Two adult male lions rest side by side in the tall grass.