(02-10-2021, 12:26 AM)Gijima Wrote: I think (just my opinion) that the “split” had more to do with circumstances than DM’s injuries. When DM left in 2019, all the Avocas were basically done mating, and the younger Nkuhumas were still very cautious of the Avocas at that point.

Once he left though, Blondie/Mohawk & the Nkuhumas went through a massive territorial shift. They moved two reserves down which is a big shift for a pride... and we can't underestimate the impact of that since DM never went further south than Djuma at that point. 

In early 2020, when DM started to feel better and go on his usual territorial patrol (and yes, his injuries probably kept him from patrolling for a few months) his brothers were nowhere to be found. So he just went on living his life as if he was a lone king, while Blondie and Mohawk were distracted with their new territory and now three females. 

In late 2020 when the Talamaties also shifted territories, Dark Mane, who was obviously following them, probably started encountering roars, scent marking or even the Nkuhuma breakaways.. something happened that connected him back with his brothers and old pride and clearly he rejoined them because he recognized them. He was also there for over a month which is a long time… 

I really think based on the new video Mohawk dumped into what he though was a random male, and Dark Mane was clearly startled awake from sleep (he was the one who jumped at his brother first). Once they recognized each other, Mohawk, still obviously worked up, scent marked, flopped down behind him… no one ran away or hurt each other. And Blondie according to the rangers were seen north following DM. I think we just need to wait and see what happens.

(02-10-2021, 01:12 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote:

(02-10-2021, 12:26 AM)Gijima Wrote: I think (just my opinion) that the “split” had more to do with circumstances than DM’s injuries. When DM left in 2019, all the Avocas were basically done mating, and the younger Nkuhumas were still very cautious of the Avocas at that point.

Once he left though, Blondie/Mohawk & the Nkuhumas went through a massive territorial shift. They moved two reserves down which is a big shift for a pride... and we can't underestimate the impact of that since DM never went further south than Djuma at that point. 

In early 2020, when DM started to feel better and go on his usual territorial patrol (and yes, his injuries probably kept him from patrolling for a few months) his brothers were nowhere to be found. So he just went on living his life as if he was a lone king, while Blondie and Mohawk were distracted with their new territory and now three females. 

In late 2020 when the Talamaties also shifted territories, Dark Mane, who was obviously following them, probably started encountering roars, scent marking or even the Nkuhuma breakaways.. something happened that connected him back with his brothers and old pride and clearly he rejoined them because he recognized them. He was also there for over a month which is a long time… 

I really think based on the new video Mohawk dumped into what he though was a random male, and Dark Mane was clearly startled awake from sleep (he was the one who jumped at his brother first). Once they recognized each other, Mohawk, still obviously worked up, scent marked, flopped down behind him… no one ran away or hurt each other. And Blondie according to the rangers were seen north following DM. I think we just need to wait and see what happens.

Im just pointing out possibility that DM injury might be the cause of his split, to avoid fights and competition with his brothers, althrough as you said it might not be the reason at all.. 

Apparently theres more videos of that encounter (althrough i dont know where), people are saying that on another video, after that first encounter, both males where seen roaring together.. 

People are saying that Blondie apperantly also first meet DM day or two before Mohawk, that sighting was witnessed by people apperantly.

(02-10-2021, 01:12 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote:

(02-10-2021, 12:26 AM)Gijima Wrote: I think (just my opinion) that the “split” had more to do with circumstances than DM’s injuries. When DM left in 2019, all the Avocas were basically done mating, and the younger Nkuhumas were still very cautious of the Avocas at that point.

Once he left though, Blondie/Mohawk & the Nkuhumas went through a massive territorial shift. They moved two reserves down which is a big shift for a pride... and we can't underestimate the impact of that since DM never went further south than Djuma at that point. 

In early 2020, when DM started to feel better and go on his usual territorial patrol (and yes, his injuries probably kept him from patrolling for a few months) his brothers were nowhere to be found. So he just went on living his life as if he was a lone king, while Blondie and Mohawk were distracted with their new territory and now three females. 

In late 2020 when the Talamaties also shifted territories, Dark Mane, who was obviously following them, probably started encountering roars, scent marking or even the Nkuhuma breakaways.. something happened that connected him back with his brothers and old pride and clearly he rejoined them because he recognized them. He was also there for over a month which is a long time… 

I really think based on the new video Mohawk dumped into what he though was a random male, and Dark Mane was clearly startled awake from sleep (he was the one who jumped at his brother first). Once they recognized each other, Mohawk, still obviously worked up, scent marked, flopped down behind him… no one ran away or hurt each other. And Blondie according to the rangers were seen north following DM. I think we just need to wait and see what happens.

Im just pointing out possibility that DM injury might be the cause of his split, to avoid fights and competition with his brothers, althrough as you said it might not be the reason at all.. 

Apparently theres more videos of that encounter (althrough i dont know where), people are saying that on another video, after that first encounter, both males where seen roaring together.. 

People are saying that Blondie apperantly also first meet DM day or two before Mohawk, that sighting was witnessed by people apperantly.

(02-16-2021, 04:01 AM)Psyckoo Wrote: Southern Avoca
Credit Matt Fleischack

*This image is copyright of its original author

(02-16-2021, 10:37 PM)Rabubi Wrote:

(02-16-2021, 04:01 AM)Psyckoo Wrote: Southern Avoca
Credit Matt Fleischack

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Southern Avocas are so fascinating to me! I think part of that is because we don't see them all that often.

(02-21-2021, 02:58 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote: @Tonpa posted on "Lions of Sabi Sands" thread screenshots from Londolozi of Blondie being a bit skinny, i replied that it is prob due to lack of meal recently , but i found his picture from mid January from Nkorho, he also looked very skinny:

*This image is copyright of its original author

Blondie was never a bulky lion, but this might be concerning.. Speculations that he has TB might be true, althrough he is not visiable limping anymore, his condition is not the best.. TB (if he has it) might be getting worse as he is getting older and is starting to affect him.. 

This is quite surprising as Blondie was in really good condition in the past year, without limping. 

Althrough lets wait and see more updates of Blondie before we take any conclusions..

(02-21-2021, 03:13 AM)Potato Wrote: Muscle mass and a mane (male lions very often are losing mane when getting into bad condition) looks alright so I would not worry about Blondie at all. It is normal for a lions to sometimes go for couple of days without a meal.