Mapoza male Lion

Mapoza is a stunning lion and the dominant male of a pride in the Thornybush Game Reserve. His right eye is cloudy because of either a birth defect – a congenital glaucoma – or an injury early in his life. Whatever the cause, it hasn’t hindered his success in life!

Of all the photos I took during our trip at KwaMbili Game Lodge, this is my favorite. As a friend said: His right eye is his spirit eye with which he looks into the world of the ancestors. That’s absolutely believable!

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Author: johannekekroesbergen

I am an anthropologist of religion and photographer, currently living in Pretoria, South Africa. I wrote my PhD-thesis on narratives about Satanism in Zambia. Currently I am preparing a new research project that uses photography as an ethnographic method. In my free time, I love hiking, safaris and enjoying nature through photography.

3 thoughts on “Mapoza male Lion”

  2. I’m a huge fan of this picture! I went to South Africa on a mission trip this past year and I saw the same lion! He is a very majestic beast, as captured by your photo.

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    1. I also saw Mapoza at Thornybush reserve from 9/29/23 to 10/6/23. The guide and tracker was Sarah and Kenneth respectively. I had the greatest time of our lives.

      Leonard and Kelly

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