Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
Kruger National Park,
South Africa. 2009

Canon EOS 400D
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM
f/5.6, 1/100s, ISO 200
RAW. As is.

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_{This was the last of the animals we spotted that day. Just as the sun was coming down, only a few minutes of light left. I was so excited to see this calm, resting hyena just lying there looking at us, its hair ringed by the lowering sun. The calm, almost gentle look in its eyes really speaks to me. I’ve always felt that Hyena’s have earned a reputation worse than they deserve, and when I look into the eyes of this one, it’s almost the same as looking at my pet dog.}

_{I’m really happy that I was able to capture this moment, something different from what is expected in the ‘usual’ photographs of hyenas. I’m sure the behaviour and characteristics of Hyenas gives reason for their terrible reputation but when I see this photo it reminds me that animals, just like people, have different facets to their personalities.}

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