During my travels in Botswana’s Savuti National Park, I encountered a remarkable young lion the rangers and guides affectionately called “Sniptail”. This adolescent male, easily recognized by his half-missing tail, was at a crossroads in his life—old enough to be leaving the pride, yet still lingering, enjoying the spoils of an Eland kill alongside several females. On that day, Sniptail was the picture of contentment: well-fed, relaxed, and basking in the camaraderie of the pride.

His name tells a story of resilience; the missing half of his tail hints at the challenges he’s faced to earn his place. I was captivated by the wild, chaotic beauty of his young mane and the look of satisfaction on his face—a moment I knew I wanted to capture in my art.

Creating this scratchboard portrait was both a joy and a challenge. Sniptail’s coat is unusually dark, with deep blacks and rich reds in his mane—a striking feature common among the lions I saw in southern Africa, where darker males are mysteriously favored by lionesses. Achieving the right balance of color and texture to reflect his unique appearance required patience and careful layering.

Look closely, and you’ll see that Sniptail isn’t quite alone in this scene—a subtle nod to the complex social world of lions. This artwork is not just a portrait, but a celebration of character, survival, and the untamed beauty of the wild.