Up Close (Really Close) With a Lioness

There's a visceral reaction you might experience during the early moments of this video. Something primal, something instinctual. You're on the African plains, naked, in your hand a crude spear carved from a tree branch. You've been separated from your tribe and you know you're no match for a hungry lioness on your own. Fight is not an option, only flight. Your reptilian brain is firing only one message to every nerve and muscle in your body: Run.

But the rational part of your brain reminds you that it's just a YouTube video. You're safe at home and no lioness is actually approaching. Your cold sweat dries. Your legs stop shaking. And as the terrible beast's muzzle closes in on the camera lens, you're reminded of something else. You're reminded of all those mornings you wake up with your cat sitting on your chest, licking your face or just staring at you expectantly. And all of a sudden the lioness actually seems kind of cute! But don't let that fool you completely. There's still no wuzzling!

Tags: lion, lioness, lions, nature photography, NaturePhotography