Series description
For three years I have been photographing wildlife, primarily in Kenya, and documenting the Great Migration. In this time I have witnessed the impact of climate change and human activity on the ecological environment during the Covid pandemic. Over the first year of the pandemic, Masai Mara National Reserve’s wildlife became significantly more comfortable, with less disturbance from global tourists. The migration of animals across the river in 2020 was also the most spectacular in recent years. Due to the unpredictability of the event, photographing wildebeest herds crossing a river remains difficult, though, and a single great shot can take several weeks of patience and dedication.
Biography
I am a wildlife photographer and a mother who was born in China and moved to Canada to pursue education. After years living and working there, our family relocated to Kenya in 2019, where I became captivated with wildlife photography. Despite facing challenges, I developed a deep connection with nature while documenting the wildlife series in East Africa. My experiences have given me a new appreciation for the natural world and a greater understanding of the importance of conservation efforts.
Drama & Dust Clouds
Taken in August 2022 in Masai Mara. I have been documenting the great migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara for over three years, but it is uncommon to witness a large herd crossing the river in the early morning, as the water is not warm enough. On this occasion they began to accumulate near the river bank in their thousands and more kept joining in. The movement of the herds creates a huge dust cloud that is one of the highlights of the dramatic river crossing.
© Zhu Zhu, Canada, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
I Am with You
Taken in August 2022 in Masai Mara. This is one of the greatest moments for any photographer who is passionate about the great migration, as the wildebeest herds kick up dust clouds that are highlighted by the sunrise. After watching and hesitating, the first animal took a bold step and the rest followed. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, intensity and amazement as the crossing kicked off.
© Zhu Zhu, Canada, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Lunch in the Mud
Two lion cubs feast on a dead wildebeest in the mud in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. What a muddy face! These two lion cubs were gnawing at the body of the wildebeest while their mother was resting not far from them. It is not easy for a single lioness to take down an adult wildebeest, but as a mother she has to succeed for her children. Indeed, they need to fill their stomachs quickly before any other hunters discover them.
© Zhu Zhu, Canada, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Garden of Eden Mburo
One of the best ways to explore Lake Mburo National Park is to take a boat cruise. I saw this buffalo walking leisurely and slowly in the lake. It stopped suddenly in front of a big green bush and lifted its head to reach the fresh leaves with great enjoyment. It was a really beautiful and peaceful moment, like I imagine the Garden of Eden to be.
© Zhu Zhu, Canada, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
It is Time!
This photograph was taken in September 2022 in Mabamba swamp, Uganda. This young shoebill stork chick walked out of its nest to spread and flutter its wings instinctively, showing us that it is fully fledged and its muscles are quite strong enough to support flight. The fledgling stage of a bird’s life is often likened to the teenage years of a human – it’s almost time to lift off and fly! However, the parent still needs to feed the chick for a month or more. During this time it must learn crucial survival skills through observation and guidance from its parent before it can live independently.
© Zhu Zhu, Canada, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Be Fearless
Taken in August 2022 in Masai Mara. I have been documenting the great migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara for over three years, but it is uncommon to witness a large herd crossing the river in the early morning, as the water is not warm enough. On this occasion they began to accumulate near the river bank in their thousands and more kept joining in. The movement of the herds creates a huge dust cloud that is one of the highlights of the dramatic river crossing.
© Zhu Zhu, Canada, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards