In some photographs, it feels as though I’ve had the incredible luck to witness a real-life fairy tale unfolding before me. These photos are a perfect example. I felt so honored that this family of beautiful golden jackals trusted me enough to reveal themselves.

It happened only after the area had quieted down, with other people leaving and the mother and father jackals carefully assessing me from a distance to ensure I posed no threat. Then, one by one, their three young pups emerged from their den. They began exploring their surroundings, searching for food and marking their territory.

I was overjoyed to witness them as a family, to be granted their trust—even if only for the briefest moment, just 2-3 minutes before nightfall. Photographing them in such low light was challenging, but the experience was profoundly heartwarming and unforgettable.