Evening in the Luangwa

David Shepherd

CBE OBE FRSA FGRA

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"Evening in the Luangwa
Signed, limited edition
Date of publication 1978
Image Size 18.5" x 37"

"Evening in the Luangwa"
Evening is short in Africa;from daylight to the darkness of night is perhaps just one hour.
The burning heat of the Luangwa valley in Zambia, at midday, when nothing seems
to stir, gradually gives way to the cool of the evening and the shadows lengthen.
Then, quite suddenly, it is dark, and life awakes to the vibrant sounds of the African night.
Late afternoon and evening is the time when elephants will think of water, and
the long trek down to drink in the Luangwa river will begin. The lions are
content. Their bellies are full, from a previous night's kill, and they will not stir for many
an hour. The zebra and buck will know they will be able to graze without fear tonight.
All is at peace, in the evening, in the Valley.
Currently 11 strong with 5 prime-aged lionesses, this group is a super pride in the making.
At the end of 2019, the Big Pride's main group usually consisted of 9-12 lions.
Although the original members are coming into their twilight years, the Big Pride has so much potential to return to their former glory.