As the sun moved above the horizon, it first touched the tops of the scrub thorn bush. Then, as it picked out the tips of the grasses, it fell across a golden group... lions quietly cleaning up the last of their evening feast. On the previous afternoon, we happened upon a freshly downed wildebeest. The lionesses, exhausted from the chase, were lounging about, in no hurry to begin the banquet. Because of the absence of hyenas in the area, there would be little risk of interruption. Since the prey is dispatched by suffocation, there was no mess or gore. When we returned with the first light of dawn, five lions were just leaving the scene, but three remained, cleaning up the last traces. The dramatic side lighting defined the sculptured shapes of sinewy muscles and tawny fur. The moment was brief, but we will never forget that golden group. - Robert Bateman