WILDLIFE photographer Simon King has used a specially-constructed metal cage to capture a series of stunning big cat images at Longleat.

The TV presenter and cameraman was invited to create a new photographic exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wiltshire attraction’s safari park.

Mr King, who lives close to Longleat, had a purpose-built hydraulic cage mounted to the side of a Land Rover enabling him to get within centimetres of a range of the famous safari park’s residents, including lions, tigers, rhinos and monkeys.

Mr King said: “I’ve known and visited Longleat since I was a kid in the late ‘60s. Having the opportunity to help celebrate their 50th anniversary is a real privilege and doing so through images of the animals that captivated me then and still do to this day, makes it all the more special.

“Without the cage I wouldn’t have been able to get the intimacy and perspective I wanted to achieve when photographing the great predators.

“I wanted to be in a position to literally get lion noses up against the lens – and the cage helped me succeed in this.

“I hope the images will offer a new and exciting perspective into the lives of the animal inhabitants of Longleat.

“I wanted the images to take the viewer even deeper into their world – to help them become a part of the pride.”

Having removed the door of the Land Rover and fitted the cage to its side, Mr King was able to use the hydraulic lift to lower himself to ground level and use a small opening at the bottom to get the shots he wanted.

The results of his efforts form part of a new outdoor photographic exhibition to mark the anniversary of the park first opening to visitors back in 1966.

‘On the Wild Side - A photographic celebration of Longleat’s famous animals’ is on display close to Main Square at Longleat from March 25 and runs until October 30. For more information visit www.longleat.co.uk.