Lions of Timbavati

[Fredymrt]

The Ross Pride Breakaway Lionesses dominate the turf around Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp, which means there really is no room for other lionesses and their birth prides. The own the night. They own the day and, they rule the roost. Despite their hardships and battle scarred bodies, they continue to forge ahead in our reserve. It’s common knowledge that these formidable sisters mate with any male that enters their territory. We’ve seen the Mabande male, the Mbiri males, the Trilogy males and other “guest” males trying to stake claim on undiscovered lands. Some return, some stay, some don’t. Just typical lion pride dynamics! We enjoy a number of Ross Pride sightings, but we do rejoice when we stumble across new males or returning males – it always provides an interesting mix of lion sightings.
Mbiri Males

*This image is copyright of its original author

If you’ve read our stories you’ll will be aware of the Trilogy males, of which sightings have dwindled. For months and months on end, two of the Trilogy boys were seen in company of the Ross girls. The were a dynamic foursome. Then the Trilogy boys were driven out by aggressive new males. Then they returned. Then one of the Trilogy returned with a younger male from the Mafikizolo pride. The one thing that has become apparent is that when the Mbiri males, the Mapozas or any other males seek out the company of the Ross girls and try to establish territory, one or more of the Trilogy appear out of nowhere. Do they remain hidden and only emerge when potential threats approach their hallowed grounds? It seems so ! While the Ross, Trilogy and other male lion drama continues to enthral us, we also take note of that  ever fearsome Hercules Pride that hangs around on the periphery. They seem to come flying in like an unwelcome tornado, upset the balance, conduct expertly crafted kills and then promptly leave the vicinity.

the last Trilogy male

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

 

*This image is copyright of its original author

The tight Trilogy threesome splintered quite some time ago, and sightings appeared sporadically across our traverse.  Then something interesting happened. We noticed two of the Trilogy males keeping company with one of the youngsters from the Mafikizolo pride. A youthful lion that was tolerated by the dominant boys. Subsequent to that, a lone Trilogy male with the straggled looking tooth was spotted in the company of the Mafikizolo male on a regular basis.
Now that you’ve a quick history about the ever fluctuating lion pride dynamics, this is what has happened over the past couple of days.
The following night, guests enjoyed a surprising sighting of the Trilogy male enjoying the company of the Mafikizolo male ! The two of them were feasting on a buffalo kill. Was this a fresh kill or had they been dining with the Ross girls from the previous night? So, with the presence of the two unknown males in the vicinity of the Ross girls, the Trilogy male returns…As predicted! Reply