Photographer spends ten years capturing incredible sepia portraits of big cats

Photographer Goran Anastasovski devoted a decade of his life to taking snapshots of the lions, tigers and leopards when at their most unguarded and intimate.  

The 46-year-old, from Macedonia, hoped to emphasise the animals' human qualities in the photographs, taken at Skopje Zoo in Gradski Park, Macedonia. 

'I adore big cats and am fascinated with their beauty, said Anastasovski. 

'I took these photos to show people that these cats have everything we so desperately want - such as love, bravery, sincerity and loyalty. 

'My goal is to introduce people to the beauty and character of the big cats.

'They are endangered animals and they should be loved, not killed.'

Anastasovski's images show leopards, lions and tigers in surprisingly relaxed poses, with many of them sharing intimate moments with their companions.

Some of the shots show pairs of animals together in affectionate poses, while others feature the big cats snarling and staring at the camera.

Anastasovski admitted that, despite the bond he feels with the cats, they would waste no time in having him for dinner.

'I visit them very often and I think that they know me very well,' he said..

'The interesting thing is that after all these years they still try to eat me after they see the lens.'

(dailymail.co.uk)