LEOPARD AND THOMSON GAZELLE KILL
Robert Bateman

950 s/n Paper
20" x 23.75"
$249

“This scene of the leopard with its Thomson gazelle prey was one I actually witnessed.
In all of my trips to Africa, I have only once seen an actual kill, although I have been
present after the fact on a number of occasions.Witnessing a leopard making a kill
would be very difficult since they hunt mostly at night in areas of thick cover.“This
particular kill would not have been typical as Thomson gazelles generally avoid thick
cover. They in fact prefer broad, short-grassed plains not only for the food, but also
so that they can see approaching predators. Either this kill was made at night or
the Thomson gazelle was very foolish and came too close to the thick vegetation
along the river where the leopard was lurking.

“The leopard has hauled its prey up into the tree to keep it away from hyenas and
lions that would be all too eager to steal it. As often happens, the predator is in no rush
to eat. The activity of catching the prey and dragging it to safety is usually exhausting.

“This is a quiet, benign scene. I wanted to emphasize tranquility rather than a mood of
vicious killing. There is, however, tension and mistrust still in the leopard's eyes.”
Robert Bateman

  

- Leopard and Thomson Gazelle Kill - Robert Bateman -

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLICK HERE OR IMAGE TO RETURN TO THE ROBERT BATEMAN " L " PAGE