That particular Lion is one of another pair of brothers that had been hand reared in Namibia. When they got too big to keep in and around the house the owner built a large double fenced compound to keep them in....... over the years they have become very aggressive. Especially around feeding time. There's a raised observation/photography platform next to the compound. (between the two fences).
I got up on the platform and waited for the two Lions to be fed and as soon as they started feeding I moved around a little on the platform so that they noticed me and within a few seconds the more aggressive of the Lions abandoned his grub and gave me a flat out charge........works every time!!!
They're fed about every other day and as long as you're around at that time it's possible to provoke a charge anytime they're feeding. I've found the key to good animal photo opportunities is to study animal behaviour and body language and it's usually possible to predict what they're gonna do and to some extent I can use my behaviour to alter their behaviour if I need to....... but of course, you have to know what you're doing and how much you can push your luck.
Here's an example. I've known and studied these bulls for some years and know that they're very relaxed around people if they know where those people are. I spotted them feeding in this area one day and slowly walked up to them and just kept chatting in a low voice to them/myself. As they knew where I was and posed no threat to them they were happy to let me get within about 10-15 yards. As I moved closer, they kept what they considered a comfortable distance between us and I was able to move to one side to make them move into an area I had a nicer background. Then I knelt down and started taking pics......and they were completely relaxed with that. Had their body language showed any alarm at any time I would have withdrawn back to the safety of my vehicle. As it was, I reckon I got some pretty nifty shots......... that said, they're my usual lousy standard and I haven't photoshopped them yet........ The bull in the foreground is blind in his left eye so I had to keep on the right side of him so that he could see me at all times.
