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.
The Ottawa pride is doing well. At one point we thought that one cub had been lost, as we had only seen them with two cubs for about 10 days!
*This image is copyright of its original author
Incredibly, however, the missing cub survived this entire time, and was reunited with the pride. When the third cub was found, the pride was posing perfectly on a large rock in the Sand River, almost as if to show off the complete pride to all.
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
Since then the cubs have been treating us to brilliant viewing, playing with one another constantly and loving life!
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
The younger female of the pride has not always shown much compassion for the younger cubs of the pride, but she will have to learn very quickly how to deal with cubs, as it seems that she herself has dropped her litter in a dense drainage line in the middle of the property! We have not seen the cubs yet, as they are still too young, but we are hoping that by the next blog, we may have some pictures to share with you!
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
The Mhangene adult females made a brief visit this month, coming in near Savanna while hunting buffalo. It seems that the sub-adult pride has sadly dwindled away, but two of the young females have joined the adults. The adults also have some new cubs, although we have not yet seen them. Hopefully, now that the younger cubs are growing and are moving with the pride more, we will see more of them in the future.
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
The Matimba males have been following the Ottawa pride constantly, and as they are nearing the end of their reign, it seems that the only thing that they are interested in is getting free food. They have accepted the cubs, whose fathers were the Majingilane, as their own, and do not roam their territory far and wide to check for intruders. They are content to follow the females and take over any of the kills that they happen to make. This seems to be quite a good strategy, as they are still looking in fairly good condition.