The Mud Monster

 

From - Earth Unreal,

Edited by - Amal Udawatta,

Mud Monster (Maasai Mara Kenya 2015) - As the winner of the Mammals Category in the esteemed European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition of 2017, the legendary Mud Monster etched its name into the annals of triumph.

Unveiling a spectacle rarely witnessed or captured, the Mud Monster materialized—a lioness bedecked in a cloak of obsidian mud that enshrouded her entirety, leaving only her luminescent golden eyes ablaze with an otherworldly radiance. It was a sight that had eluded the lenses of explorers and the gaze of avid photographers alike, an ephemeral marvel that defied convention.

Born from a primal struggle between a formidable pride of lions and a colossal buffalo, fate guided their tumultuous path into the clutches of a treacherous quagmire. Within this muddy arena, the Mud Monster emerged, an embodiment of regality embellished with the hues of the earth, captivating all who beheld her presence.

However, capturing the essence of this enigmatic entity proved to be an arduous endeavor. The angles of perception, entangled amidst bothersome tufts of grass, presented a formidable obstacle, obstructing an unhindered line of sight. The ardent photographer awaited with bated breath, yearning for the fleeting moment when the Mud Monster would reveal her piercing, unclouded gaze.

In the depths of this patient anticipation, a gilded flare radiated from the bottom right corner—a celestial gift bestowed by the morning sun upon the verdant blades of grass, adding a resplendent touch to the masterpiece unfolding before their eyes.

Text credit: Earth Unreal
Image credit: David Lloyd