Lion Surprises Photographer With Scary Roar, Then Winks And Smiles At Him

A wildlife photographer Gren Sowerby got the ‘shock of his life’ when he came a little too close to a lion before it let out a huge roar and flashed him a cheeky smile in Kenya. Gren Sowerby, 69, leaned in and got close to the big cat when it suddenly flashed its pearly whites and let out a massive roar on a safari in Maasai Mara, Kenya, in September. While he was initially startled, he continued to snap pictures of the ferocious animal and was left astonished when it gave him a smile.

Sowerby revealed more about photographing lions and other wildlife, as well as about what inspires him to keep taking pictures. "The first thing you need is a good tracker for lions I use a Maasai guide called Ntimama Mpoe. His local knowledge in the Maasai Mara is amazing," Sowerby said. "The time of day is important too, they're much more active early in the morning and evening when they hunt. During the daytime, you will get a sleepy cat! Keep very quiet and try not to disturb them. Give them space and have lots of patience."