Wildlife photographers often have the thrill of capturing breathtaking moments with animals. However, sometimes those encounters can become a bit too close for comfort.
In this blog post, we will explore 11 unforgettable moments when photographers found themselves in surprising situations with wildlife. From curious lions to playful meerkats, these stories highlight the unpredictable nature of working in the wild.
Lions Sniffing Cameras in Wildlife
Imagine quietly photographing a pride of lions when suddenly, a curious lioness wanders over to investigate. This was the case for wildlife photographer Graham Springer, who was capturing the morning routine of a lion pride from a distance.
As he focused on his shots, one particular lioness decided to get up close and personal. With no time to retreat to his vehicle, Graham stood still, allowing the lioness to sniff his camera gear. This nerve-wracking experience became one of his most memorable moments in the field.
A Sheep with an Attitude
In a humorous twist, a BBC cameraman found himself on the receiving end of an unexpected encounter with a sheep named Cecil. After filming various wild animals, this cameraman was caught off guard when the sheep head-butted him right in the groin.
The incident quickly went viral, with viewers amused by the unexpected turn of events. Comments flooded in, with one user humorously remarking on the title of the video, “Cameraman smacked in the nuts by Angry sheep.” It seems that not all wildlife encounters are about the majestic and the dangerous!
Bearly Friends
Drew Hamilton, a wildlife photographer, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with a gigantic brown bear. While shooting other bears, one massive bear approached him and sat right next to him.
Despite the potential danger, Drew managed to stay calm and enjoy the bear’s company for a few moments. This surreal encounter left him both thrilled and slightly frozen in dread, as he realized the sheer size and power of the creature beside him.
Meerkats Stealing the Show
Not all close encounters are filled with tension. In fact, some can be downright adorable! Wildlife cameramen experienced this firsthand when a group of meerkats decided to take a break in their presence.
These curious creatures not only approached the cameramen but also used them as lookout posts. One meerkat climbed onto a cameraman’s head, showcasing their playful nature and comfort around humans. This light-hearted moment reminded everyone of the joy of working with wildlife.
Wolves at the Door
Photographer Steve Bakshaw had an unexpected visit from a pack of wolves during his shoot. Rather than being aggressive, the wolves approached Steve and his crew with curiosity, wagging their tails and sniffing around.
The crew remained calm, realizing that these wolves were more interested in investigating than attacking. This unique encounter allowed them to pet the wolves and even howl along with them, a heartwarming experience that highlighted the bond between humans and animals.
Rhino Charge
Photographer Kim learned the hard way about the dangers of underestimating wildlife when he attempted to photograph a black rhino. While capturing stunning shots against a sunset backdrop, Kim realized that the rhino was much closer than he anticipated.
When the rhino charged, he quickly dashed into the bushes, narrowly avoiding a potentially dangerous situation. This incident served as a reminder to all wildlife photographers to maintain a safe distance from such powerful animals.
The Pet Hyena
Hyenas are often seen as fierce scavengers, but Kevin Richardson, a wildlife conservationist, showed a different side of these animals. Known for his unique bond with various wildlife, Kevin demonstrated how affectionate a hyena can be.
He played with a full-grown spotted hyena, who acted more like a playful puppy than a wild animal. This heartwarming interaction challenged the common perceptions of hyenas and showcased their playful nature.
Cheetah Cubs: A Dream Come True
Photographer Kim Woolhoota had a dream encounter when she met a litter of cheetah cubs. While their mother watched from a distance, the curious cubs approached Kim, allowing her to pet one of them.
This rare moment was a bucket-list experience for Kim, highlighting the delicate balance of respecting wildlife while enjoying unique interactions. However, she cautioned against trying this in the wild, as mother cheetahs are protective of their young.
Adorable Seal Encounter
Photographer Alexi Trophimov experienced a rare moment while photographing seals in Russia. After three years of trying to capture these elusive creatures, he finally got the chance when a baby seal approached him.
The seal not only allowed Alexi to get close but also lifted a flipper as if to greet him. This charming encounter was a testament to the rewards of patience in wildlife photography.
Curious Gorillas
Photographer John King had a close encounter with a family of silverback gorillas while preparing for a documentary in Uganda. To his surprise, the gorillas approached him, and one even groomed him.
This intimate interaction left John speechless, showcasing the gentle and curious nature of these magnificent primates. Such moments remind us of the importance of conservation and the need to respect these incredible animals.
When a Lioness Steals the Show
Barbara Jensen, a professional photographer, had an unforgettable experience in Botswana when a lioness snatched her camera.
While filming a lion pride, Barbara accidentally dropped her equipment, prompting the protective lioness to investigate. Instead of reclaiming her camera, Barbara watched as the lioness carried it away and let her cubs play with it.
Fortunately, after retrieving the camera, Barbara found it still functional, albeit with some tooth marks as a badge of honor from her encounter.
