Kambula/Ntsevu Pride

[Tonpa]

Kambula Pride June 2022

Closing on four years, the young cohort of lions of this pride appear to behave as they should for their age. The young lionesses are now mating with the Ndhzenga males, while the young males were not recorded this month - an indication that they have moved off in search of a land of their own.

The two lionesses raising the three cubs sired by the Gowrie males maintain their distance from the new dominant males. However, in contrast to previous months, they seem to be keeping the cubs in Marthly and west thereof.
At least two older lionesses have given birth, but no den sites have been discovered. So, it remains to be seen whether they have cubs or where they are denning.

 Noteworthy sightings:
• The two mothers with their 15-month-old cubs were the first representatives of this pride seen this month. On the 4th, the lionesses crossed Bicycle Crossing with three cubs. Unfortunately, it seems they have lost the fourth cub.
• On the 6th , one lioness and three Ndhzenga males had a zebra kill northwest of New Rocks.
• On the 8th, two lionesses kept the company of three Ndhzenga males as they rested in the Sand River opposite MalaMala Camp.
• A lactating female was found at Kapen Open Area on the 10th .
• On the 13th, the group consisting of lionesses and cubs was around the Broken Dam. This group was in the same area again on the 15th .
• An older lioness was with a younger lioness north of Fred’s Tree on the 17th . • Three lionesses were with a Ndhzenga male around the Windsock on the 19th. The two lionesses and three cubs were at Kigelia Crossing on the same day.
• On the 20th, three lionesses were in the company of a Ndhzenga male west of Rattray’s Camp.
• On the 23rd, four lionesses feasted on a zebra kill north of the Rockdrift Donga. They were joined by three of the Ndhzenga males on the 24th .
• A young lioness mated with a Ndhzenga male on the 27th, south of Princess Alice Pans. The pair moved east and were found again on the 28th, still engaging in mating activities. Reply