Wildlife photographer, Simon King, has used a specially-constructed metal cage to capture a series of stunning big cat images at Longleat.
The TV presenter and cameraman was invited to create a new photographic exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the attraction’s safari park – the first of its kind to open outside Africa.
Simon, who lives close to Longleat, had a purpose-built hydraulic cage mounted to the side of a Land Rover enabling him to get within centimetres of a range of the famous safari park’s residents – including lions, tigers, rhinos and monkeys.
“I’ve known and visited Longleat since I was a kid in the late ‘60s. Having the opportunity to help celebrate their 50th anniversary is a real privilege and doing so through images of the animals that captivated me then and still do to this day, makes it all the more special,” said Simon.
The results of his efforts form part of a new outdoor photographic exhibition to mark the anniversary of the park first opening to visitors back in 1966.
“Without the cage I wouldn’t have been able to get the intimacy and perspective I wanted to achieve when photographing the great predators,” said Simon.
“I wanted to be in a position to literally get lion noses up against the lens – and the cage helped me succeed in this!”
Having removed the door of the Land Rover and fitted the cage to its side, Simon was able to use the hydraulic lift to lower himself to ground level and use a small opening at the bottom to get the shots he wanted.
“I hope the images will offer a new and exciting perspective into the lives of the animal inhabitants of Longleat.
“Visitors to the Safari Park and the other animal collections get a truly wonderful and intimate experience amongst creatures that are very well looked after and who lead lives close to that which they might lead in the wild.
“I wanted the images to take the viewer even deeper into their world – to help them become a part of the pride!” he added.
‘On the Wild Side – A photographic celebration of Longleat’s famous animals’ is on display close to Main Square at Longleat now and runs until October 30th. For more information visit www.longleat.co.uk
