Maternal instincts despite adversity

[Sabyasachi Patra]

This is a sequel to this situation:
http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2288

The Sambar mother (Cervus unicolor) stamped her feet on the water in an aggressive manner. The dhole (Cuon alpinus) got distracted. And immediately, the Sambar turned its head to lick the fawn for reassurance. It was a lovely moment. In the midst of a life threatening moment, the maternal instincts are intact. I am sure that the person who coined the term animal instinct to portray a derogatory meaning, certainly has never witnessed such a moment.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM, EF 1.4xII, ISO 800, f4, 1/250, slight crop from left, right and bottom. Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Look forward to your comments and critiques.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Praveen Siddannavar]

Indeed this is a lovely moment to watch, not many people would have witnessed this side of mother nature. The image is clean and nice.

Sabyasachi very well written & described the affection between the sambar and the fawn, especially sambar licking the head of the fawn for reassurnace is very touching.

I am truely touched.

[Bibhav Behera]

I like the image. Very nicely portrays motherly instincts.

[Mrudul Godbole]

Beautiful moment captured. The image tells the story without any need for explanation.

[Usha Harikrishnan]

Awwww.. Am deeply touched...very true... Great Shot..

[Chitrita Chatterjee]

hey..sabyasachi.. have been following this series of pics from u..... grt job... really enjoyed these... almost real time action thru yr lenses.... :-)