Lion Directory

[vizions]

Name:  The Charleston lion pride
Location: Kruger NP (South Africa)
Tribe  Number: 3
Status:  Alive !

In mid-2011, the Charleston pride consisted of 4 lioness, and 3 cubs. The cubs were born in April 2011. The Charleston pride reside in the south of the Sabi Sands and share their territory with their arch enemy, the Southern/Selati pride. The Southern pride had a clear advantage since they numbered 13 adult lions against 4 of the Charleston's at that time.

After several encounters between the two tribes, the Selati tribe killed 3 adult females during nov2011-feb2012. Only one female was left with 3 cubs (2males, 1female) who weren't his cubs but the cubs of her sisters.

Auntie with the 3 cubs.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 
In aug 2012, the Southern pride attacked again the Charleston pride and killed the female cub. From 7 members one year ago, the Charleston was reduce to one female adult and 2 males cubs (1year old).
The pressure on the lioness was huge. She had to take care of the cubs on her own, and had to avoid the Southern tribe.

In addition to that, the south of the Sabi Sands was a total mess at that time, they were no real dominant male. They were 3 different coalitions of males who wanted to dominate the territory. These males would have certainly killed the cubs if they had the opportunity.
Against all odds, the lioness managed to raise the 2 cubs, and they always looked well fed.

July 2014:

*This image is copyright of its original author

The lioness was seen mating some months ago with the 3 Sand River males. Let's hope she can brings some new addition to this amazing tribe.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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