I stopped by to visit Koya and saw she was awake and resting in her cave. I spoke softly, making certain to tell her how beautiful she is. While I kept talking, she came closer, emerging her sweet face into the light, and looked straight into my eyes with hers. A moment like that, feeling a connection with a creature you love and respect, it reaches deep into your soul. When I raised my camera, she graciously held her gaze, so I can always have this image to treasure.

Koya the female Mountain Lion