Talking to SBS Gujarati, Mukesh Acharya said, “During the summer in 2005, I volunteered for a lion census undertaken by the Gujarat Government. I was accompanied by a guide as we set up by the waterhole in the Gir forest.”
“It was hot a summer’s day. The temperature went up to 45 degrees by 2.30pm.”
“The forest department had made artificial ponds for the lions to drink water from. Generally, that’s where we can see and count them,” Acharya added.
Considering the scorching heat Acharya and his guide did not expect any lions to pass by.
To keep themselves busy they started cleaning the pond with their small water bottle cut in half and using it to throw the dirty water out. They then filled it with clean water and since no lions had passed by until 5.30pm Mukesh and his guide soaked themselves to keep them cool in the summer heat.
“At 5.45 pm, a lioness came to drink water, then suddenly a cub followed. And then two, three, four and five cubs joined, and another lioness came.”
The Wildlife photographer had seen up to 7 lions together so he was busy just counting them. As the group grew bigger and there were ten lions drinking from the waterhole, he was so engrossed in watching them that he forgot to take out his camera.
The guide reminded him “What are you doing, take out your camera. Take a picture. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Mukesh Acharya then clicked the memorable photo of ten lions in a single frame, drinking for the waterhole.
Acharya said, “There were 14 lions roaming around in the area but 10 came that day. And I managed to capture this once in a lifetime magical moment without any planning.”
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