Lions of Timbavati

[Potato]

Tanda Tula update


Before we got to the dogs though, we stopped in at Machaton dam and got to spend some time with two Vuyela male lions that came to quench their thirst in the late afternoon; earlier in the drive we had been with another Vuyela male still mating with the youngest River Pride female (and had to leave them to go and see the cheetah!).   

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

We were well rewarded with the sight and sound of two Vuyela males and two River Pride females roaring next to the vehicle.  The next morning we popped into Machaton dam, but didn’t see much, however not five minutes later the next guide that passed found the mating pair of lions approaching the dam, so we returned to see that the young lioness from the River Pride was now with another Vuyela male, and despite  not showing much interest in mating herself, the new male in attendance was clearly very eager and doing his best to persuade her. Interestingly, the lioness that gave birth earlier this month was seen mating again – and didn’t appear to be nursing, which could mean that they have lost yet another litter.  This lack of success of raising cubs is unusual for a pride with such a strong coalition of males, and the thought entered my mind that perhaps there was some foul play from within the Vuyela ranks?  Pure speculation, but time will tell if their luck improves.  After an extended absence this week, the lioness with the three 6-month-old cubs did eventually rejoin the pride and the guides got to see them a couple of days after my guests checked out. 

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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