Nat Hab's 2024 Guest Photo Contest

Species: Jaguars In Brazil | Location: Caiman Ecological Refuge In The Southern Pantanal, Brazil

Cassiano "Zapa" Zaniboni was our Nat Hab guide in the Pantanal. He knew jaguars and where to find them. Zapa found this mating pair lounging at the edge of a pond. Zapa "knew" they would eventually mate - when she was ready. It was lunch time, but our group voted unanimously to stay to see what would transpire. The female was willing and patient. The young male was just learning the art of love and was clumsy. He got a good deal of practice as they mated several times while we watched from across the pond.

About The Photographer

I've been creating images since age 8 when my dad handed me a camera to take on our class field trip to the zoo. My high school used my images in our yearbooks. I majored in photography and criminal justice at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and Arizona State University. As a crime scene officer, I photographed crime scenes. Photographing wildlife and landscapes has become my number one hobby. I'm currently using the Nikon Z7ii system.