Released 2009-06-01

Syncerus caffer

Cape buffalo, also known as African buffalo, have a reputation as some of the meanest, grumpiest animals in Africa. They are far more dangerous than the lions and hyenas that most Westerners fear more. Their behavior is generally unpredictable, though one would do well to sum it up as aggressive. In the long-running debate as to which is the most dangerous animal in Africa, the Cape buffalo is in the top three, along with the hippopotamus and the crocodile. Once grown, Cape buffalo have little to fear from lions and other predators. The buffalo are generally able to fend off attacks quite well, and will even occasionally kill a lion. Herds of buffalo will exhibit mob behavior to protect their young, while wounded buffalo have been known to turn predatory themselves and stalk those who hunt them, including humans.

This particular animal's visage seemed to exemplify the grouchiness of its reputation. It reminded me of a prize fighter a few rounds into the bout, despite the fact that it was doing nothing more menacing than eating lunch.

This is a limited edition photograph with a total of 225 photos printed across all sizes, as noted