Meet D1 (dominant male 1), son of Dotty (famous tigress from the region) and my first real (up close and nearly personal) tiger sighting and photographic opportunity during my recent trip to Bandhavgarh.

He was a “proper” first sighting. A “big and bold” tiger, in the words of my photo host.

Powerful.

Majestic.

Within a few days of this picture, he killed a powerful male tiger, Pujari, in a territorial dispute.

I know it’s the law of the jungle, the circle of life, but I hate the thought of these beautiful tigers killing each other.

He is the true king of the jungle. Until the next king comes along.

Enjoy!

NOTE: I deliberately left the stray grasses in these shots (where you see them; not all shots) to keep these photos “real”. Also in the interest of time, as I might never get anything posted, ever, on my blog otherwise, lol.