Being placed in any international competition is a reason to rejoice but what makes this win particularly exciting is being on the same roll as stalwarts like Tim Laman and Andy Rouse, besides some of my illustrious compatriots.

The special edition of the Nature’s Best Photography magazine, containing all the winning images of this year including mine, will be out soon, and you can order your copy here if you fancy it.

Here’s the story behind the image:

One morning in Masai Mara, we found a pride of lions not far from the Keekorok Lodge. Soon they walked towards the nearby airstrip and raided the place, emptying bins and toying with satellite dishes. And at one moment, this curious young male approached the ticketing office and peered into the counter, looking as though he was standing in queue to buy an entry ticket into a land that is but his own. The seemingly benign, even funny, moment evoked in me a thought most sobering – that in an age dominated by man, wildlife is having to pay for its own survival and earn the right to live.

Equipment used: Nikon D800; NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II (hired from Toehold)