Pablo Trilles Farrington 
PHOTOGRAPHY 

Late in the afternoon, as the intense heat of the Pantanal begins to fade and the golden light reflects on the water, a mother jaguar and her two subadult cubs take the opportunity to cool off. Far from any tension, the three enjoy a relaxing bath, alternating moments of rest with playful interactions and short chases through the water.

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For the young jaguars, these moments are much more than simple fun. Play strengthens their family bonds while helping them develop skills that will soon become essential as they begin their independent lives. Under their mother’s watchful eye, the two siblings play, dive, and splash in the water, revealing an intimate and endearing side of one of the Pantanal’s most powerful predators.

Hidden among the dense vegetation along the riverbank, a jaguar moves silently in search of its next meal. Every step is slow and deliberate, its powerful body almost disappearing into the shadows and tangled greenery of the Pantanal.

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With its senses fully alert, the jaguar carefully scans the river’s edge for any sign of potential prey. Capybaras, caimans, and other animals that gather near the water may become an opportunity for this highly skilled predator. Patience is essential: the jaguar can remain almost motionless for long periods, waiting for the perfect moment to approach unnoticed.

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Perfectly adapted to this watery landscape, the jaguar combines strength, stealth, and patience, turning the dense riverbank vegetation into the ideal cover from which to hunt.

Hidden beneath the lush vegetation of the Pantanal, a jaguar rests peacefully near the riverbank. Surrounded by dense greenery and protected from the heat by the shade of the jungle, it seems perfectly at home in its natural environment. Calm and relaxed, yet always alert, the jaguar blends almost effortlessly into the vegetation, revealing the quiet and secretive side of this magnificent predator.

In a sudden burst of speed and power, the jaguar charges through the shallow water and leaps forward in an attempt to catch a caiman. For a few dramatic seconds, the calm of the river is transformed into an explosion of movement, splashing water, and pure instinct.

Despite the jaguar’s remarkable strength and hunting skills, the caiman manages to escape. Not every hunt ends in success, and moments like this reveal the unpredictable reality of life in the Pantanal, where even one of its most powerful predators must sometimes watch its prey disappear.

Perched high on the branch of a tree, a jaguar stares intently at the ground below. Completely focused, its eyes carefully scan the vegetation for the slightest movement that might reveal potential prey. Motionless and patient, the jaguar uses its elevated position as the perfect vantage point, displaying the extraordinary concentration and instinct of one of the Pantanal’s most skilled predators.

Resting peacefully on a tree branch above the river, a jaguar enjoys a quiet moment surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Pantanal. From its elevated position, it can observe the water and riverbank below while remaining sheltered beneath the forest canopy. Relaxed yet always aware of its surroundings, the jaguar seems perfectly at home between the jungle and the river.

In the heart of the Pantanal, a giant otter emerges halfway out of the water as it attempts to catch an eel twisting just in front of it. For a brief moment, both predator and prey rise above the surface, creating a dynamic scene filled with movement and tension.

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The photograph was taken in August, in full daylight, from a small boat positioned only a short distance away. Being so close made it possible to capture the intensity of the encounter and the remarkable agility of the giant otter as it pursued its elusive prey—a fleeting glimpse into the daily struggle for survival in the waters of the Pantanal.

Safely within their territory, and after a series of thunderous roars, the Golden Boys can finally rest atop their kopje, watching over the surroundings from above.

Two nomadic males claim this strategic outcrop as their own. They mark the rocks and the ground, leaving their scent and presence as a clear declaration of conquest. They spend the rest of the day resting atop the kopje, surveying the landscape, regaining strength, and reinforcing their bond through quiet gestures of closeness and trust.

In the early hours of the morning, two large nomadic brothers move decisively into the territories of resident prides. Bound by a strong coalition forged over time, they advance with purpose toward the land of the Punda pride at Zebra Kopje. Just a few weeks earlier, this pride had been driven out by the Gol Kopje lions into the open plains, abandoning the kopje that had long been their refuge.

Just at dawn, we heard the powerful roars of the three Golden Boys brothers echoing across the plains. Shortly afterward, we were able to find them as they returned to their territory. It seemed clear that they had exchanged a few tense words with the two males of the Barafu pride—a vocal confrontation that stopped short of physical conflict. 

Although the Golden Boys outnumber their rivals, they are well aware that age is no longer on their side, and that any decision to engage in a fight to the death with younger males from rival prides must be weighed carefully. Experience and caution now guide their actions as much as strength once did.

Great beauty in this image of the three Golden Boys returning home at dawn after patrolling their territory. Yet there is the uncertainty of the threat from the neighboring pride, the Barafu, who are pushing to seize their land. But the Golden Boys will make it very difficult for them.

As evening falls, both males prepare to continue their journey now that they have rested during the day and the temperature has dropped.

On a bright, sunlit morning, we found the Gol Kopje pride out on the open plains, scattered and calm after the night’s activity. At the center of the scene, one of the coalition males was indulging in a feast on a wildebeest he had hunted during the night. Still fresh, the carcass was consumed with speed and determination, without hesitation.

As the rules of the pride dictate, in exchange for protection, this male will eat until he is satisfied and will not share even a single gram of the prey with the rest of the individuals.

Although the image is striking, it is a reminder of the harsh reality of life in the Serengeti.

Before finding a comfortable spot to sleep through the hot day, a morning dung bath always comes in handy—to stay cool and protect themselves from annoying insects.

The Semetu three males appeared relaxed and at ease, enjoying the stillness of the afternoon as the sun slowly descended.

As evening approached and the light began to fade, two of the brothers moved toward one of the pride’s females, testing her receptivity in a gesture that hinted at the coming night and the timeless cycles of life on the plains.

That afternoon we moved into the territory of the Semetu pride, where we found three of the five brothers resting peacefully. The atmosphere was calm, one of those rare moments when the tension of territorial life seems to fade away for a while. One of them, Scarnose, rose and approached to inspect who we were, watching us closely before returning to his brothers.

Scarnose, the leader of the pride, takes an interest in us and, without any fear, calmly approaches the camera to investigate, leaving his two brothers protected behind him.

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Above his scarred nose, his bluish blind left eye stands out.

By mid-morning, as the sun began to intensify and the savannah fell into a reverent silence, this majestic lion — known as Pretty Boy — was resting peacefully near Zebra Kopje in the vast Namiri Plains. With his eyes closed, his breath steady, and his golden mane gently stirred by the breeze, he seemed completely detached from the world, immersed in a moment of deep inner peace. The true beauty of this image lies not only in his imposing presence, but in the trust and composure he radiates. His relaxed posture, serene expression, and absolute stillness give the impression that he is in a state of meditation, in full communion with his surroundings. In this scene, there is no urgency, no tension — only calm, dignity, and balance. 

By mid-morning, as the sun began to intensify and the savannah fell into a reverent silence, this majestic lion — known as Pretty Boy — was resting peacefully near Zebra Kopje in the vast Namiri Plains.
With his eyes closed, his breath steady, and his golden mane gently stirred by the breeze, he seemed completely detached from the world, immersed in a moment of deep inner peace. The true beauty of this image lies not only in his imposing presence, but in the trust and composure he radiates. His relaxed posture, serene expression, and absolute stillness give the impression that he is in a state of meditation, in full communion with his surroundings.

In this scene, there is no urgency, no tension — only calm, dignity, and balance. Pretty Boy is not just a symbol of power, but of harmony. His mere presence seems to bring order to the landscape, as if the entire savannah respected his rest.

In the image, Pretty Boy, a majestic male lion with a golden mane, is seen walking steadily along a dusty path in the open plains of Namiri Plains. He is part of the pride known as Zebra Kopje. The blue sky with a few light clouds and the low, dry vegetation on either side frame the scene. Pretty Boy moves with a watchful demeanor, patrolling his territory and displaying the imposing presence of a leader.

In the bright morning light of the Serengeti, two lionesses from the Semetu pride step forward with purpose — one snarling, fangs bared in a silent warning, the other staring down the camera with piercing intensity. Their posture is unmistakable: protective, unyielding, ready to defend. Behind them, their cubs huddle and play under the watchful eyes of the rest of the pride. This striking image captures a raw and primal moment — a powerful display of maternal instinct, where strength and tenderness converge in the wild heart of Africa.

Under a sky streaked with soft morning clouds, the Semetu pride moves calmly across the reddish soil of the Serengeti. In the foreground, two lionesses drink silently from a small puddle — and nestled between them, a curious cub lifts its head and gazes directly into the camera, wide-eyed and alert. Further back, the rest of the pride — lionesses and several cubs of different ages — make their way along the dusty path, forming a scene of unity, calm, and strength. This image captures an intimate, everyday moment in the wild, where the day begins with the rhythm of survival and the deep bond of family.

The photograph showcases a young tiger lying in an open, arid landscape under a vibrant blue sky filled with fluffy clouds that add depth to the scene. The tiger, with its golden fur and distinctive black stripes, gazes directly at the camera with an expression that appears to be a mix of curiosity and power. Its slightly open mouth reveals sharp teeth, giving it both an imposing yet relaxed demeanor. The image conveys a sense of freedom and grandeur, with the tiger as the undisputed protagonist beneath the vast sky.

The image shows a tiger in a semi-arid natural environment, with a blue sky and white clouds in the background. The tiger is in a low position, with its head tilted forward, staring directly at the camera with an intense expression. The beautiful colors of its coat contrasts with the dry, earthy landscape. The photo's perspective is at ground level, creating a striking and close-up effect. It is a powerful image that highlights the majesty and imposing presence of the tiger in its habitat.

The image features a majestic tiger walking toward the camera in an open, arid landscape. The background consists of a vast blue sky with scattered fluffy white clouds, creating a striking contrast with the tiger's orange and black striped fur. The tiger's intense gaze is fixed forward, and its powerful body is in motion, emphasizing its strength and elegance. The terrain is dry, with sparse vegetation and small bushes scattered throughout. The composition of the image is well-balanced, highlighting the tiger as the dominant subject while showcasing the beauty of the natural environment.

The image shows a majestic male tiger calmly walking toward the camera in an open landscape during sunrise. His gaze is intense and focused, conveying a sense of confidence and dominance over his surroundings. The ground-level perspective enhances his imposing presence, with his orange fur and black stripes contrasting against the golden sky and dry terrain.

The photo shows two tigers in a natural setting during sunrise. One of them is walking with an attentive and determined expression, while the other is resting on the ground, calmly observing from beneath the standing tiger’s body. The composition creates an interesting visual effect, with the standing tiger framing the one lying in the background.

The photo captures an intimate moment between two tigers in their natural habitat during sunrise. A majestic male tiger is lying on the dry ground with a calm expression, while a female tiger approaches and rests her head against his in a gesture of affection and connection. The male’s gaze is intense and focused, while the female shows her affection through close physical contact.

The image shows a majestic male tiger resting on the dry ground as the sunrise paints the sky with golden and blue hues. His body is relaxed, with his paws stretched out and his head slightly turned toward the camera, offering a serene yet attentive gaze. His eyes reflect a mix of calmness and alertness, emphasizing his powerful presence in the environment.

In the background, a female tiger is also resting, watching from a distance as the sun begins to illuminate the horizon. 

The image shows a majestic tiger resting in a vast open landscape during sunrise. His body is relaxed on the dry ground, with his front paws stretched out and his gaze fixed on the camera, conveying a sense of serenity and confidence.

The rising sun gently illuminates the scene from the left, casting a warm golden light over the sky and terrain. The scattered clouds reflect the morning’s warm tones, creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere. The horizon features low hills and sparse vegetation, emphasizing the vastness of the environment and the solitude of the tiger in its natural habitat.

The composition balances the power of the feline with the expanse of the sky and land, capturing a moment of calm and majesty in the wild.

The photo shows a tiger walking directly toward the camera with an intense expression and a dominant posture. Its piercing gaze and large size are emphasized by the ground-level perspective, creating a striking and immersive image. Its orange fur with black stripes contrasts with the dry ground and the sky, illuminated by the soft light of sunrise. In the background, another tiger rests calmly on the ground, observing the scene with a relaxed demeanor. The composition balances the strength of the foreground tiger with the serenity of the second feline, while the open landscape and scattered clouds add a sense of vastness and freedom. It is an image that captures the majesty and imposing nature of these felines in their natural environment.

​The image shows a tiger walking in a dry natural environment, surrounded by dirt and low vegetation. Its gaze is intense and direct, conveying a sense of power and elegance. The tiger has its right front paw lifted, giving it a dynamic and majestic posture. Its orange fur with black stripes stands out against the arid landscape and the partially cloudy sky with blue and white tones. It is a striking and well-composed shot that highlights the imposing presence of the big cat in its habitat.

An aerial view of the Okavango Delta taken from a helicopter, where three elephants can be seen walking among swampy areas and patches of green vegetation. The water meanders in dark brown channels that contrast with the scattered grassy islands. The landscape combines dry areas with animal tracks at the top of the image and the lush wetlands at the bottom, showcasing the majesty and wildlife characteristic of this unique ecosystem in Botswana.

A sunset scene in Linyanti, Botswana, where an elephant walks slowly through the dry grass accompanied by a group of zebras grazing peacefully. The intense golden light of the setting sun bathes the landscape in warm tones, creating silhouettes that highlight the animals’ shapes. The dust in the air adds a mystical and serene atmosphere, capturing the wild and majestic essence of the African savanna.

A group of elephants slowly crosses a river at sunset in the Okavango Delta. The soft evening light illuminates their mud-covered bodies, highlighting their textures and creating reflections on the calm water. In the background, the dry and green trees of the savanna complete the landscape, offering a majestic and serene scene that reflects wildlife in its purest form.

A cold August morning in Linyanti, just a few meters from the border with Namibia, we discovered two lionesses and their cubs sheltered among the reeds and tall grass. Beside them was a recently hunted buffalo calf. One of the lionesses firmly gripped the calf's body with her jaws and dragged it until she disappeared into the reeds, followed by the other lioness and the playful cubs. They were trying not to be seen by the four males that lead the area, as it is common for the males to claim the prey.

At the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, in Khwai, Botswana, a group of four lionesses hunted a massive buffalo at the end of the day. But before they could feed, the dominant male claimed the prey and began devouring it. The four lionesses had to wait at a safe distance until the male finished his meal and moved away so they could eat. It's chilling to watch as this large male tear off and chews chunks of meat while staring at the camera.

It was early in the morning, and the guide spotted a lioness with her two cubs among the reeds, enjoying the first light of the day. Lions in the Linyanti area are active at dawn and dusk. As they made their way to find a more private spot to rest for the day, we were able to photograph the family thanks to a turtle-shaped buggy equipped with a remote-controlled camera. Respectfully, slowly, and without disturbing the animals, we approached at a safe distance.

A majestic African elephant stands in the foreground of the Okavango Delta savanna. With its ears spread wide and trunk extended towards the ground, it conveys a sense of both power and grandeur. The clear sky and scattered trees in the background enhance the animal’s dominance, as it commands the scene with its imposing presence.

It was very early in the morning in the Okavango Delta, the sun had not yet risen, and we headed to the spot where the day before, four lionesses had hunted a large buffalo. To our surprise, we found this sub-adult lion feeding on the remains, which were not much. This photo was taken just a few meters from the animal, thanks to a remote-controlled turtle-shaped buggy equipped with a camera. Slowly and respectfully, we were able to get close and witness up close how this young lion devoured the remains.

It was early in the morning, and the guide spotted a lioness with her two cubs among the reeds, enjoying the first light of the day. Lions in the Linyanti area are active at dawn and dusk. As they made their way to find a more private spot to rest for the day, we were able to photograph the family thanks to a turtle-shaped buggy equipped with a remote-controlled camera. Respectfully, slowly, and without disturbing the animals, we approached at a safe distance

A white-tailed eagle powerfully soars over the icy waters of Finland, carrying the remains of prey in its talons. The image conveys dynamism through the motion of its wings, blurred by speed, while the bird’s piercing gaze remains sharp and focused. The grayish background of the water further enhances the majesty of this raptor in full action.

Two great tits perch on a branch in the forests of Finland. One remains still, looking downward, while the other spreads its wings slightly in a dynamic gesture, displaying its feathers. Their vivid colors —yellow, black, and white— contrast with the soft, blurred background of the forest, creating a delicate and natural scene that reflects the beauty of wildlife in northern Europe.

An Iberian lynx rests in the morning among a meadow covered with yellow and red wildflowers in the Sierra de Andújar. Its spotted coat blends with the vegetation, although its bright eyes reveal it in the landscape. In the background, olive trees and rocks complete the spring scene, showing the perfect integration of this emblematic feline with the Mediterranean environment.

An Iberian lynx moves among the rocks of the Sierra de Andújar with its prey, a rabbit, firmly held in its jaws. Its piercing gaze conveys the strength and determination of this endangered feline. The blurred green background further highlights the lynx, the absolute protagonist of a scene that reflects both the rawness and beauty of wild nature in southern Spain.

In August 2023, I went on a 10-day photography trip to Hudson Bay, Manitoba, aiming to photograph polar bears in their natural habitat. During a tundra hike, the group spotted two adult bears, and one approached us. Guides instructed the participants to stay close together to appear as a large mass, never kneel or run, and step forward in unison if the bear came too close. With noises, shouts, and coordinated steps, they managed to stop the bear, which halted just 20 meters away, avoiding a more dangerous encounter.

One morning, an adult specimen approached the cabins where I had the opportunity to take several photos. The morning light, the closeness of the animal and its calm but curious attitude towards me, converged in some shocking and at the same time endearing photos.

The red-eyed leaf frog is a very popular amphibian species in Costa Rica. Most notable are its large red eyes with vertical pupils. Although its beauty lies in the combination of colors that make up its body. This set of photographs was taken in the La Fortuna region, in northern Costa Rica. Although this type of frog is a nocturnal animal, the photographs were taken during the day, at which time it takes the opportunity to rest camouflaged in the large leaves and in the thick jungle.

In March 2023 I was photographing hummingbirds in the Quetzales National Park in Costa Rica. Very early in the morning, at the edge of the forest, a group of hummingbirds fed on the nectar of the plants that resided there. I approached and managed to capture this scenic moment where several hummingbirds danced around me, more focused on their sweet breakfast than on my presence.

The quetzal is one of the most beautiful birds in America. It is part of various indigenous cultures as well as being wrapped in an aura of mysticism and supernatural attributes. I was lucky to find this beautiful bird in Costa Rica, more specifically in San Gerardo de Dota. In March 2023 I was in San Gerardo de Dota to photograph the beautiful quetzal. Dawn is the best time to find the quetzal since it is when they feed on avocados, which are then swallowed and then regurgitated. The males are distinguished by the long plumes that hang from their tail. These plumes fall off when the season ends and grow back the following year. I was near an avocado tree when the sun had not yet risen when a male flew towards the avocado tree to feed. Although difficult to see through the thickness of the tree, I was able to photograph this beautiful image just as he turned his head and looked in my direction.

A harbour seal emerges with its head above the cold waters of Svalbard. Its large, dark and shiny eyes contrast with the gray, rippling surface of the sea, conveying curiosity and gentleness. The close framing allows the details of its wet fur and whiskers to be seen as they break through the waves, showcasing this marine mammal’s adaptation to the Arctic environment. The seal was playing with us swimming around our boat.

Mother and Baby Eastern Mountain Gorillas from Rushegura family group. While I was resting after more than 5 hours trekking in the middle of the impenetrable jungle, this female gorilla and her baby walked just next to me and decided to stop and sit on my leg using it as a chair. While the female was eating, the baby looked at me curiously. 5 minutes later the couple continued peacefully along the path following the enormous silverback male.

This image was taken during a trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda (8th August 2021). It took almost 5 hours of hiking to reach the Rushegura family group. This playful baby gorillas were having fun next to us. In the picture, the gorillas are fearless and full of joy.

The 4th of August I was in a trek at the Kibale National Park. Next to us, a noisy group of chimpanzees were having dinner at the top of the trees. Mother and son were resting after dinner. Not afraid of us, just relaxing.​

This chimp was looking curiously at me. Not afraid, but relaxed. It felt as if there was a connection, while he studied me from above. This moment lasted a while.