Photography as Coexistence

Halloween is weeks away, and the year-end holidays are right around the corner. What’s the best part about the holidays? The Mountain Lion Foundation Annual Calendar, of course!

This year’s calendar features incredible new images from some of our favorite wildlife conservation photographers, including Sebastian Kennerknecht’s stunning cover shot of a regal mother lion resting on a rock in Patagonia. We’re also excited about work from photographers new to the calendar like Alycia Renee, who captured a fleeting moment with a beautiful cat at dusk in the forests of Washington.

A mother lion rests on a rock in Patagonia — Cover image of mother lion in Patagonia by Sebastian Kennerknecht

A Washington mountain lion looks at the camera while crossing a log in the forest — A Washington lion courtesy of Alycia Renee

Photography, and the arts in general, are critical yet underappreciated components of wildlife advocacy, education, and ultimately, coexistence. Pictures, whether captured by camera trap or telescopic lens, provide us with a privileged glimpse into the lives of animals as they experience the world. Photography prompts empathy, and empathy is the foundation for tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence with both animals and people who are different from us.

For the elusive mountain lion especially, photography is the only way that many of us will ever experience this wild cat. We are grateful for the photographers who have devoted their lives to sharing their experience of mountain lions with us and for using their art to help us all learn to thrive as neighbors with wildlife.

Please consider making a donation to the Mountain Lion Foundation to support our advocacy, education, and coexistence programming. Help save America’s lion! Everyone who donates $35 or more will receive a 2025 Mountain Lion Foundation Calendar.