Africa Wildlands 2021 at Woodland Park Zoo

She sits regally upon a rock, watching cubs below. Her mate wonders around the edge of the enclosure, staring at crying children before unceremoniously plopping on hay.

She, however, watches on. The true protector, the true instigator. Watching your every move, and those of her playful cubs. She is aware you are there, even when you forget that she exists. He may be the king of the jungle, but she is the queen.