2017 Wildlife Photo Contest

Species: Pangolin | Location: Kalahari, South Africa

One of my hopes in visiting the Kalahari was to observe and photograph the endangered pangolin (the scaly anteater). When my guide spotted one, we slowly approached him since, when scared, they roll up into a ball (his only protection mechanism since the scales are so tough even a lion can't bite through them). Luckily he had found an anthill and was busy eating when we approached and started to photograph him. I felt very lucky to have found such a co-operative pangolin in perfect light, just as the sun set.

About The Photographer

Since retiring, I have been very fortunate to be able to travel and interact with wildlife throughout the world. To me, it is the interaction that is most important (i.e.. looking into the eyes of a wild animal or even scratching the chin of a whale in Baja that chose to come to meet you), the pictures allow me to remember and further enjoy this opportunity to see and observe a wild animal.