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.
What is difficult to get is the whole "they fought valiantly for their land".
Uh, they didn't. For some misterious reason they left Sabi Sabi, that was there for the taking with no competition, and went to that other place that coincidentally had some males that didn't roll down in submission, and a fight happened, a fight the Matimba males weren't really ready to win.
As I look at it now, they're pretty lucky to be alive after the event.
The charleston males visit, sporadic visits by the 2 avocas or the three tsalalas, or the presence of the mantimahles could have pressured them up north towards imbali. Their last visit to Imbali was pretty safe and the three avocas being in that area would have been a surprise to the matimbas this time. They are old and out-numbered, they don't have prides and cubs to defend but it still seems quite a valiant effort to me seeing two old warriors roaring openly and giving it to the younger and tougher opposition. The injury on ginger's leg was pretty minor as far as I could tell from the picture, he was able to still move out of the area. Unless they were ambushed again by the three avocas or another coalition, I am pretty confident they made it out alive.
An update from a cool and overcast Mluwati Concession, The Matimbas Brothers are back together again, pictures taken by Greg Behrens. Found sleeping on our western boundary this morning.
From Imbali Safari Lodge update on the Matimbas - one was seen on our southern boundary (that is, just inside the Mluwati Concession) a few days ago. Looking thin, but still majestic. The other one was heard calling but was not seen.
Hairy Belly
Update on the Matimba Males... They were last seen on the morning of the 04.02.2018 on our South Western Boundary lying approximately 50m in on the Manyeleti side. Unfortunately the guides who were out driving that morning did not get photos of them however they were seen by all the vehicles who were out on drive. We surmise that they have done one of the following 1) Because our Imbali Pride is in the area – either they are following close behind them – the older of the male cubs has been chucked out of the pride he is wandering alone around the concession at the moment. We have seen signs of one female being in season over last couple of months.
2) The Matimbas have moved further west into Manyeleti – since the fight which happened in December they are no longer as vocal as they used to be – they don’t seem to like announcing their presence to anyone.
3) The Matimbas have started moving back through Torchwood in the direction South towards Sabi Sands and Mala Mala.
This is all speculation at the moment as they have not been seen since, so their exact whereabouts are currently unknown.
Condition of the two Matimbas is not looking very good at the moment, a lot of guests commented on this after seeing them when we spoke to them in the morning after drive.
We will endeavour to update again when they are seen and will try to get some images of them.
- The Styx pride of lions was foumd this morning with a kill they made last night. Close to them was also a unknown male lion who stole the kill from the Styx.
