In the wild with the cats

Delhi witnessed a splendid wildlife photo-exhibition that shared with the spectators the alluring magic of wilderness and its majestic inhabitants.

These photographs were selected from over 250 stunning visuals which have appeared in ‘On Safari: The Tiger and the Baobab Tree’, a book by renowned wildlife photographer Babi Nobis. This book was released recently in the City too.

‘On Safari: The Tiger and the Baobab Tree’ richly illustrates the finest of wildlife photography in India and Africa. The book consists of breathtaking shots by the author on the rugged terrains of Kanha, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Nepal and the Sunderbans. It also has pictures of lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants and other animals captured in Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa over the last two decades.

“Photographing wildlife, especially dangerous species in their natural environment, has always been my passion. ‘On Safari : The Tiger and the Baobab Tree’ reflects the many years of my adventure in the wilderness of Africa and the jungles of India.

My wife Tina undertook the production of this book and selectively chose the photographs from my archival collection of thousands and thousands of photographs, both emulsion and digital. Every photograph taken is firmly etched in my memory and I relive every moment even as I go through my book,” said Babi Nobis.

“The book is a collection of memories. To me, these photographs are awe-inspiring and putting the book together has been not only been terribly exciting but a labour of love. I am my husband’s biggest fan and critic,” said Tina Nobis.

Speaking on the launch, Keertan Adhyanthaya, Managing Director, National Geographic Channel Network (India) said, “Nat Geo Wild is pleased to associate with Babi Nobis in his endeavour to showcase the stunning wildlife of our planet. ‘On Safari...’, like the shows on Nat Geo Wild, encourages people to care about our animal kingdom through the use of spectacular visuals and compelling storytelling.

Uniting with like-minded causes such as this helps the channel engage and inspire all to preserve the amazing creatures that inhabit our world.”

The event was attended by well-known names like Dr Raghu Chundawat, Raghu Rai, Suhel Seth, Bhaichand Patel, Ira Pande, Sanjoy Roy, Prannoy Roy, Satish and Kiran Gujral, Nafisa Ali, Sanjana Kapoor, Mike Pandey, Roshan Seth, Latika and Nanda Rana, Bitu Sehgal, Anjolie Ela Menon and Admiral Raja Menon, Dr Alka Pande, Meera and Muzzafar Ali.