Lion brothers meet affectionately on the African Plain

These two lions are young males, born in the same litter. They are growing quickly and learning how to hunt and survive in this beautiful, but harsh environment. They greet each other with playful affection but there is also a subtle test of the other's resolve as they engage in dominant behaviour. They will soon have to compete with the alpha lion, and each other, or else leave the pride and begin their own pride.
Life here in Kenya, and elsewhere in Africa is complex, and it follows a pattern. As the lions grow old enough to challenge the leader of their pride, he will chase them out. But for now, playing in the sunshine and enjoying the companionship of the brotherhood is all that matters.
Few things are as majestic as powerful lions, the apex predators on these plains. These lions roam freely on a large swath of land that is protected from hunters and poachers, one of the few threats to a full grown lion. Hyenas will challenge a sick or solitary lion, but even they know that they must be great in number and ready for a ferocious battle to take down one of these big cats.