Face-Off with a Lion | Nat Geo Live

Photographer Mattias Klum experiences a face-to-face encounter with a lioness... a little too close for comfort.

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Face-Off with a Lion | Nat Geo Live

National Geographic

[deps]

those of you who are annoyed by the laughter might be missing the fact that this story is pretty incredulous and that laughter sometimes accompanies nerves and excitement - it's a sign of a good story-teller and story. plus he's animated. i don't think they're laughing at him or disassociated with the story, i think they're rather enraptured by the how crazy and wonderful the experience was. 
i mean C'MON! he was rolling on his back for pete's sake. when i retell scary stories that turned out ok i have to laugh at the delicacy, fear, and sheer luck involved.

[KatherineUribe-]

The audience reaction to the photo was priceless. And what a great photo.

[catsinhouse]

And we are blessed that there are people like Mr. Klum who ventures out, taking marvelous photographs of the wildlife that is left on this planet. Amazing, heart-tugging story.

[sharonkite]

What a rare and beautiful gift he was given by the lioness...fabulous...!

[lindabux]

When Cats and Dogs roll over and expose their bellies they are showing trust. What an incredible experience, maybe scarey, but also moving. 

[oxLeonoraxo]

the way this guy tells stories is lovely.

[NadyaArteau]

OMG the lion did not think of the photographer as a menace nor as prey.... It's always special when an animal considers you as a being able to understand it... Thank you for sharing

[TheFranc]

I feel envy for this guy. most of our lives happen just like any other ordinary human being experiences, feeling the same over and over again. but he reached an edge: being both near to death and in the same time closer to life than ever. he was delivered to the will of the wild and shared a moment with it. how lucky he was. not because hes still alive, but cause what he just experienced.

[storynewt]

Absolutely amazing, very true about needing to be a modest man. Anything else and Mattias wouldn't have gotten to capture that last picture, let alone go home.

[sarahdavis]

That is truly a beautiful story. There is something so amazing that no words can describe when you're in the natural environment and presence of another wild species.

[crocodylus]

One of the most engrossing stories I've ever heard!
I'm still not quite sure what to make of it...
I suppose what Mr. Klum said... "Blessed".
Beautiful photos, too.

[armorArtichoke]

Great ending to this clip, I'm teary-eyed!

[kathedlgm]

"And suddenly i felt blessed" :, )

[CODMASTA]

wow, that is amazing....its hard to see people presenting like this.

[kleung]

What a gorgeous lioness!! beautiful creature <3

[myeclecticchoices]

amazing photograph - made me shed a tear

[nanomicroart]

Amazing story & photos, Mattias Klum! Best wishes and good luck with your work! Thank you very much!

[daesmae]

Great to be able to hear the story that goes with the pictures, thank you.

[amynazeri]

Who’s cutting onions.. that’s so beautiful

[nextlifearotti]

that was wonderful. thank you for sharing.