From the depths of the jungle floor, the crunch of twigs and the rumble of the ground beneath your feet signal the presence of something much larger. It’s a reminder that this is no small encounter.

　　What runs through your mind in such a moment? A million words still fall short of capturing the essence of that feeling.

　　Come with me on a journey through some of my stories in the wild. These experiences and the lessons I’ve learned from them might help you connect deeper with nature.

　　Staying Safe In The Wild Means A Deep Engagement With The Living Landscape

　　Animals, like humans, are creatures of habit. However, they are far less welcoming of change. Encountering humans in their routine lives is a significant shift, and animals react in various ways to this disruption. A large part of how they respond depends on the actions and reactions of humans at that moment.

　　Studying the subject of interest beforehand, along with understanding the region you wish to explore, is invaluable for staying safe in the wild. But, just like in humans, some animals are roguish by nature and feel the need to assert their dominance through acts of power. No amount of preparation can fully protect you in such cases. However, recognising unusual behaviour requires an understanding of what is normal, making thorough study essential.

　　From Hungry Grizzlies To Nesting Penguins, Seeing Animals Is A Humbling Experience

　　I’ve been surrounded by hungry grizzlies hunting and feeding on salmon. Witnessing their brute force and unmatched power was intimidating. Still, their attention was never on me—unless I happened to get in the way of their choice of meal. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: never get between a determined mind and its goal—and also how to focus, undistracted by what happens around you.

　　During another encounter, I unknowingly walked into a trail and found myself face to face with a large black panther (a melanistic leopard). The panther studied me keenly for a brief moment, seemingly surprised by my presence, before disappearing into the thicket. This encounter made me realise that animals are often more cautious about crossing paths with us, understanding the kind of damage we are capable of.

　　On a different occasion, I stumbled upon a herd of elephants in an area where they are rarely seen. I was taken by surprise at their presence. Though I was briefly charged at, I was left alone once I changed my route. This taught me that sometimes walking away and respecting a greater power doesn’t make us any smaller.

　　I’ve had the privilege of falling asleep while observing fox kits as their mother went hunting for a meal. Watching them play and nuzzle into a ball of fur before curling up for a quick nap was one of the most calming sights a nature lover can witness. The peace they radiated was the kind we all wish for.

　　I’ve been blessed to spend time among nesting colonies of penguins, puffins, gannets and albatrosses, welcomed into their world to witness their lives from within. Seeing them unhindered by my presence as they went about their routines in some of the world’s most remote locations was humbling. To be accepted into their lives enriched mine and gave me a sense of belonging with Mother Nature.

　　Many young animals have approached me out of sheer curiosity. However, I’ve consciously refrained from engaging with them despite their harmlessness. As tempting as it may be, I would never want to teach them that humans are not a threat. Just as in the animal kingdom, we humans have our own rogues who seek to exploit such opportunities at the cost of innocent animals and the generosity of nature.

　　Thus, every experience in the wild has been a school of learning, shaping me into the person I am today and reinforcing my beliefs. Walking with giants, both literal and metaphorical, has been a journey of discovery, humility and a profound connection with the natural world. Each encounter, from the grizzlies to the panther, the elephants to the penguins, has taught me lessons in coexistence, respect and the delicate balance of life that exists beyond human civilisation.

　　Being With The Natural World Will Transform You

　　In all its splendour, nature offers more than just breathtaking moments—it provides wisdom and perspective. It reminds us of the importance of observing, learning and treading lightly on this shared planet. The wild, with its raw beauty and untamed spirit, holds countless stories waiting to be told and lessons waiting to be learned.

　　Through these experiences, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world, a commitment to preserving it, and a sense of belonging within it. After all, we are not separate from nature but part of its intricate design. Let us respect and protect it so future generations can also walk with giants and be transformed by the journey.

　　Sanket Reddy is a renowned wildlife photographer from Bengaluru. You can follow him on Instagram @isanketreddy.