Just Let Me Sleep a Few Minutes Longer

Summer time at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a time when the park is filled with guests, and many are looking for some great animal sighting. The problem is, these animals aren't exactly about to work up a sweat just to put on a show. For example, you will be lucky to spot a lion at all, and if you do he or she will likely be napping the heat away.

But have your camera at the ready anyway. Even a napping lion makes for a great photo!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Panting Away the Heat

Just like your family's four-legged pet dog, lions cool off by panting instead of sweating. And as you can probably imagine, the climate in Florida causes much panting. This girl needed to cool down on a hazy and warm afternoon.

If you come around the corner and see a lion sitting up in full view of the truck, you can bet the next thing you will hear your driver say is "please remain seated"! Lions do attract attention.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Lioness on Safari

Anyone who has been on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride will know lions sleep most of their day away. But does anyone know why it always seems the male sleeps way more? It feels like, nine times out of ten, if a lion is awake it is the female. Or is it just, he's a guy? I'm not complaining, mind you. She is certainly impressive.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Familiar Sight

Just about everyone I ever met who goes on safari is most excited about the prospect of seeing one of the great cats. And those who travel the Kilimanjaro Safaris often feel the same. The problem is, what those folks usually find, either in the wild or in a zoo, is something like this...

While I understand that disappointment, it is hard not to get edited to see one of these stunning animals, even a snoring one. Honestly, even asleep this guy makes the crowds ooh and ah.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Happy Cat Day!

Apparently, this week included National Cat Day. Now, I know this day is meant to celebrate house cats and such, but at Disney's Animal Kingdom the house cats tend to be just a bit larger. Like this precious "little" girl photographed on the Kilimanjaro Safaris this summer...

How great is it to come around the corner and as the lion habitat comes in view to see one of them actually awake? The buzz in the truck hits a new level when the lions put on a show.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Looks Like a Good Idea to Me

I love lions, and I really love the lions found on Kilimanjaro Safaris.  Most people are frustrated by them, especially those looking for a good photograph.  People get their cameras ready, only to see a lion colored bump on a log hidden behind some rocks or grass.  But sometimes a resting lion can also be a photogenic lion.

I have as many great photos of a lion napping as I do of a lion awake.  I love the relaxed and totally chilled out expression on this girl.  She's keeping cool and enjoying some relaxation time.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Room With a View

How many time have you gone past the lion habitat on Kilimanjaro Safaris only to see a sleeping lump in the brush?  Well, on this trip we were able to see a sleeping lump in a much better position for photographing.

We all know from the narration the drivers give us that a lion pretty much sleeps a large portion of its life away.  Sounds good to me, and it also sounds a lot like my airedale's life ambition as well.

by Dave McBride