There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Mr T...the great protector Inyati Game Lodge: December 6th 2011 another unusual accident happened, Mr T as a great protector of his son Mini-pog.
*This image is copyright of its original author
the short-tailed Ximhungwe female stalking Mini-pog
“ The other accident happened in the morning, while watching the pride doing what they do best, sleep. Abruptly one lioness, the short-tailed female began to stalk something we all could not see. She then jumped up and ran and disappeared. We followed to where we could hear commotion of fighting lions. We discovered that found that the 13-month old cub who lost her mother and had been wondering around on his own for the last few months had finally found the pride. Surprisingly and unfortunately it was not the happy family reunion that we expected and hoped for, as the lioness started attacking the youngster. What happened next was really remarkable though; Mapogos never cease to amuse. The mapogo male with short Mohawk mane known to be the unfriendly one to the cubs and all other lions came in and fought off the lionesses and then stood over the youngster to protect it against the aggressive female. Many of us who think we know him well would have never expected him to that. The rejection of the cub by her own pride did, however suggest that his future is very uncertain now, one lioness at least clearly didn’t want to accept him back in the pride.”
by Sun Safaris
In March 2012,
an emblazoned battle broke out with the Southern Pride males and the aged legends took on these young, determined fighters. Mr T, as was one of his esteemed nicknames, fought his final battle and died in a violent fashion that had he, himself, had enforced on any foolish opponents in the past. Mr T had emerged as the leader of the Mapogo coalition, as he and his comrades, Makulu and Pretty Boy, tore through territories, annihilating any challengers in their path. Mr T gained a reputation for the merciless killing of cubs and females as he staked his claim in a new pride – a natural instinct and essential to the dynamics of lion existence. We should be reminded that “evil” and “cruel” are descriptions assigned by humans and are not accurate descriptions of the nature of a lion such as Mr T, who was respected by subordinates, admired by young’uns and desired by females within his kingdom. He and his Mapogo allies represented the perfect specimens of power and pride, while their physical strength carried them through an extended period of leadership – into old age and ultimately into death, in the case of the renowned Mr T.
(02-27-2017, 01:30 PM)fursan syed Wrote: What happened next was really remarkable though; Mapogos never cease to amuse. The mapogo male with short Mohawk mane known to be the unfriendly one to the cubs and all other lions came in and fought off the lionesses and then stood over the youngster to protect it against the aggressive female. Many of us who think we know him well would have never expected him to that.
It's like he enjoyed going against the current, just for the sake of it. Sometimes he makes me laugh, because I have the same style towards many things in life (Okay, maybe not so violent, but still).
"My ultimate MAPOGO's sighting was one sunrise when they came close by a waterwhole by Savanna, the 5 Brothers and their Father, that would cross between Londolozi and the other side in Singita. That sighting, with the sounds, the greetings between them, the brothers and their Father was absolutely unique and fabulous, heaven! They staied together for quite a long time, some hours. As per SS rules, the first 1 1/2 hrs IF the sighting is found in one's territory, that territory do not need to pass the info on, so it was only 3 vehicles that watched this, my vehicle, Paddy's and the other from Savanna. They all dranked there, greeted, rubbed, roared as they greeted, lay down together, would get up and lay down and would take turns it will die with me, in my memory, so help me God. I do miss the MAPOGO's every single time I go by Sabi Sands, however their Spirit lives there!
With due respect, I often ask to please NOT remember the bad days, the last days, BUT to remember that as the ultimate warriors they were, brave lions and that their genes remain there. They came from the SPARTA pride, also a mighty pride! A most respected pride."
(The Mapogo coalition drinking at Leopard Hills – image by Hannes Kruger)
2005/06 Many rangers of the various lodges didn´t know what to think about the new coalition of 6 male lions. But the answer came quickly and enormous... the mighty Kings were looking for their crown in Sabi Sands
