SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK 2°27’38.9”S 34°54’49.4”E
ALEXANDRA SURKOVA
“Make sure you get my good side! Is it going to be in National Geographic?”
The perfect shot? Let me tell you the story.
as we drove through serengeti national park in Tanzania, a distant roar reminded us of the primal ferocity that lurks within this wild sanctuary. Our hearts pounded with a mix of exhilaration and fear, resonating with the raw symphony of the wilderness. However, our vehicle was destined for a different spectacle that day— a cheetah with her cubs, we were told. In our haste, my eyes caught a moment that prompted me to call for a halt. There, right next to the dusty trail, was a sight far removed from the fierce hunt towards which we were hastening. A quartet of zebras composed an endearing family portrait against a heavenly blue backdrop. Their distinct stripes made a stark contrast against the muted colors of their home, as if they had strolled out of a black-and-white world into a landscape flushed with colors. The scene was made even more poignant by the intimacy radiating from the family. Their bodies formed a perfect line, the foal slightly shorter than the rest. It was a precious snapshot of tranquility amidst the wilderness, a heartwarming tableau of familial bonds. To me, they were characters in a silent play. I envisioned their conversation: “Mom, why are we stopping?” the youngest one might have asked. “Shhh... quiet, dear. They’re taking our picture,” the mother might have responded. As I squinted into the camera, adjusting the lens to frame the shot, the driver leaned over, curious. “Are they doing something special?” he asked, squinting at the zebras. “Just being themselves,” I replied, “and that’s special enough.” Suddenly, one of them turned its head towards us; its eyes seemed to twinkle with an understanding. I could almost hear it whisper, “Make sure you get my good side!” The youngest, the only foal in the group, gave me a look as if he was about to break into a grin. “Hey, is it going to be in National Geographic ?” This family of zebras, oblivious to the human intruders, proved far more expressive than any predator we had encountered. Their silent interaction and the aesthetic symmetry they offered became my favorite memory of that day. Their utter disregard for the hustle and bustle of their environment struck me as a fascinating paradox. I captured this in my frame—a testament to the resilience of life persisting even in the face of harsh realities. These four, with their simple charm, had upstaged the most ferocious of felines without even trying. As the vehicle resumed its course, I stole a final glance at the quartet. They had continued their march, leaving me with an unforgettable image: the simple one, the perfect one.
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MOTHER VOLUME TWO
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