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HeWhoWalksWithTigers — Contemplation of a Fading King

Published: 2008-01-01 23:11:10 +0000 UTC; Views: 1498; Favourites: 63; Downloads: 29
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Description This photo isn't the greatest since it is blurrier than I would want, but I think the content outweighs the lack of technical quality (plus, I think it could be forgiven considering this was taken at full zoom without a tripod).

This is our friend Rowdy from the Toronto Zoo, who has been seen quite a few times in this gallery. I must say, I have grown quite fond of this old fellow...not sure why, but sometimes you grow attached to animals for no apparent reason. I'd like to go and see him sometime soon - he is very charismatic.

Rowdy is a bit of the old man in his pride. I'm not sure how well he has done to retain a position as top lion, but he is definitely not getting any younger. A lion in his state in the wild probably wouldn't do too well in the wild, but here at the zoo he enjoys a comfortable, spoiled life (save for occasional dealings with bees). His life will eventually end, but he is living it with exceptional dignity fitting of a fading king.

Lions were once the most widespread predatory mammal besides man 10,000 years ago. However, humans being jealous of this king oppressed, abused, and destroyed these animals. They are currently considered vulnerable under the IUCN and things are not getting any better for them.
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Comments: 13

ISeeThee [2009-02-28 04:25:52 +0000 UTC]

He reminds me of my grandfather for some reason. I'm lovin' this man.

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HeWhoWalksWithTigers In reply to ISeeThee [2009-02-28 04:49:48 +0000 UTC]

There something about Rowdy... he's so charismatic.

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Stefi-Delly [2008-04-08 02:00:01 +0000 UTC]

Nice!

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Cwylldren [2008-02-15 09:45:22 +0000 UTC]

I like the slightly blurry quality, it adds to the picture rather than substracting from it. He certainly looks very majestic.

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sinyeta [2008-02-14 20:12:05 +0000 UTC]

Cool!!!

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Ellygator [2008-01-02 21:12:12 +0000 UTC]

He still has a wonderful intensity in his stare!

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TheFireTigress [2008-01-02 20:32:59 +0000 UTC]

Imagine how much trouble lions would be in if they had beautiful stripes also.
I think bright sunshine does for lions what snow does for tigers, no matter what it just makes it an awesome picture.

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dotofish [2008-01-02 14:50:29 +0000 UTC]

Is he still there? We were at the zoo last week and he wasn't out

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HeWhoWalksWithTigers In reply to dotofish [2008-01-02 20:00:40 +0000 UTC]

This was taken in September. I find it worrisome he wasn't out recently.

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BandaiJ [2008-01-02 00:59:53 +0000 UTC]

Man you're freakin' awesome today.

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HeWhoWalksWithTigers In reply to BandaiJ [2008-01-02 02:12:19 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! I have a couple of really good ones of Tekhan on the way.

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BandaiJ In reply to HeWhoWalksWithTigers [2008-01-02 02:50:24 +0000 UTC]

Yay, my second favorite tiger guy!

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HeWhoWalksWithTigers In reply to BandaiJ [2008-01-02 05:36:18 +0000 UTC]

Yeah...I like one of them in particular. Probably one of my favorite photos so far.

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