Amazing images show 'singing' lions, gallivanting rhinos and a jaw-dropping tiger

Take a good look at these pictures because the photographer behind them is worried that the subjects might not be around for much longer. The stunning images of animals including lions, rhinos and tigers were snapped by Simon Needham, who said their very existence is under threat. Simon, who is originally from Leeds, UK, has taken most of these epic pictures in sanctuaries and reserves in Africa dedicated to protecting these majestic animals.

Simon snapped this powerful image of a lion named Coda in the Glen Garriff Conservation, a lion sanctuary in South Africa. He said: 'Wildlife populations are decreasing at a staggering rate, and if we are not careful, the only place we will be able to see some of these animals is in books or zoos.'

This incredibly sweet scene of two cubs resting was captured by Simon in South Africa's Kruger National Park. On Instagram, he named the picture 'Before They Were Kings'. 

A playful young rhino sprints across the grass at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa. The sanctuary took in the 250-lb creature after its mother was killed by poachers, which Simon said is a 'sad but common occurrence in Africa'.

Simon said: 'It's not easy to get that close to lions, and when taking pictures, you also need patience, an eye for lighting and to hit upon the right moment when a lion either has a wonderful expression or is doing some kind of interesting action.'

'I am especially keen on photographing animals that are endangered and that, combined with their sheer beauty and power, means lions definitely draw me to them,' said Simon.

'I wonder what song they were singing?' asked Simon when he posted this to Instagram.

Simon said: 'Photographing wildlife can be a challenge because finding the animals often requires a lot of effort and time to even get to the point of actually taking that special picture.' Pictured: A lion called Tonga in the Glen Garriff Conservation lion sanctuary.

Mane attraction: 'A good hair day!' was Simon's Instagram caption for this amazing picture of a lion at the Glen Garriff Conservation sanctuary.

This image shows a caracal – a medium-sized wildcat – that was taken at the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. On posting the photo to Instagram, Simon posed the question: 'Grumpy or dangerous or both?'

And this beautiful lioness was captured on camera at the Glen Garriff Conservation lion sanctuary. Simon admits that taking images of lions can be time-consuming as they 'really don't do a whole lot through the day!'

Simon had an unforgettable first encounter with a lion at the Glen Garriff Conservation lion sanctuary, where this shot was snapped. He said: 'I was behind a secure fence, but it was still a shock when the lion jumped up and growled. I've become a little more confident around them now but I always put safety first!'

This is another incredible image Simon snapped at the Garriff Conservation sanctuary. He said: 'This lion was photographed at night with a flash, which caught its pupils open wide at the time.'

What are the most challenging animals to shoot? Rhinos, according to Simon. He said: 'It's mainly because it's difficult to capture their moods.' This one was pictured at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary.

This 'rare' scene captured by Simon shows a group of rhinos walking back to the safety of the Care for Wild Rhino sanctuary for the night after grazing in nearby rough lands. Simon noted on Instagram that 14 armed men guarded them.

In this jaw-dropping shot of a tiger at the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Simon pointed out that its raspy tongue 'is designed to help strip feathers, fur and meat from prey'.

A wild greater kudu, a type of antelope, shows off his amazing horns at the Care for Wild Rhino sanctuary. The spiraling horns on male greater kudus can grow as long as six feet (1.8m).

Simon also takes breathtaking landscape shots, such as this one of the Zion National Park in Utah. Simon asks: 'Can you see the bus?'