Incredible Photos of Lions in the African Savannah (19 photos)

Lions are a symbol of the African savannah, embodying the strength and majesty of the wild. But over the past 25 years, the population of these predators has halved: only about 20,000 remain in the wild. The photo project "Remembering Lions" has collected stunning images of these big cats in their natural habitat—not only to showcase the beauty of these animals but also to raise awareness of their endangered species. All proceeds from the book go to lion conservation projects in Africa.





Photo Project "Remembering Lions": Art for the Sake of Life

The book "Remembering Lions" is the fourth in the "Remembering Wildlife" series, founded by photographer Margot Raggett. The project brings together the world's best wildlife photographers: award-winning Marcel van Oosten, Steve Winter, Art Wolfe, and Frans Lanting.



Lion cubs play next to their mother in Savuti, Chobe National Park, Botswana

The idea for the series was born in 2014 when Margot Raggett saw a dead elephant in northern Kenya. The sight moved her to action. Since then, her projects have raised over £460,000 for conservation programs in Africa and Asia.

"Remembering Lions" was funded through Kickstarter, where it raised over £163,000, making it the third most popular book campaign on the platform. All proceeds go toward protecting lions in the wild.

Lions on the Brink of Extinction: Facts and Figures

Lions once inhabited not only Africa, but also Asia, Europe, and even North and South America. Today, their range has shrunk to sub-Saharan Africa and a small population in the state of Gujarat in northern India.

A lioness and her cub in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Over the past 24 years, the number of lions in the wild has halved—from 40,000 to approximately 20,000. The main threats are poaching (for skins and bones), conflicts with local populations, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, climate change, and declining prey.

"So much wildlife is disappearing under our noses. It's happening right now, and we're not paying attention. If we don't take action today, many of the planet's inhabitants could disappear forever tomorrow," says Margot Raggett.

The Life of Lions in the African Savannah

Lions live in prides—family groups consisting of several adult females, their cubs, and one or two males. Females typically remain in the pride for life, while young males are driven out upon reaching sexual maturity.



Lionesses at a watering hole in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Displaced young males live alone or form coalitions—usually with brothers or relatives. Together, they can hunt more easily, defend themselves from danger, and establish their own prides.



A coalition of young males on the Serengeti River, Tanzania



Tenderness between father and cub – a scene reminiscent of Disney's The Lion King



A lion cub tries to attract its mother's attention by clinging to her paws

Lionesses are the leading hunters Pride



Lionesses eat a water buffalo carcass on the Serengeti River

The pride's primary hunters are the females. They hunt in groups, surrounding large prey: buffalo, antelope, zebras, and sometimes even young elephants or giraffes. Males rarely join in the hunt; their role is usually to defend the pride's territory.



A lioness watches a buffalo through the morning mist in the Okavango Delta, Botswana



Young adolescent lions in the tall grass of the Kenyan savannah

The majesty of lions: breathtaking footage



A majestic portrait of a lion—a symbol of strength and Authorities



A lion's mane flutters in the wind on the African plains



A lion's face illuminated by the setting sun in Kgalagadi National Park, Botswana



A lone male against the backdrop of an African sunset



Lionesses rest in a tree in Tanzania – a rare behavior typical of some populations.



Two lions on a perch in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.



A lioness's breath is visible in the cold morning air of Kenya.



A lion against a thunderstorm in the Kalahari – a dramatic moment in African history. Nature



A lion walks through the fog in Londolozi Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, South Africa

The "Remembering Lions" photo project is more than just a collection of beautiful images. It is a call to action, a reminder that these majestic predators of the African savannah could disappear in our lifetimes if we don't take action to protect them. The book has already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for conservation programs, but most importantly, it has drawn the attention of millions to the issue of wildlife conservation.

Among the "Remembering Wild" fans are actors Pierce Brosnan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Joanna Lumley, and Russell Crowe, who support the project and help spread awareness about the need to protect endangered species.