Leopard Directory

[Ngala]

Tribute to the late Bicycle Crossing male, also known as "The Bike" or the Tugwaan male (dead in August 2017).

From Umkumbe Safari Lodge:
R.I.P Bicycle Crossing Male Leopard
Today we mourn the loss of a local leopard legend - the Bicycle Crossing male. His death has left us heartbroken, torn at the seams and in tatters. We often spoke about "Bike" and "Max" being local contenders for being crowned our favourite male, but we actually loved them both equally! However, there wasn't much rivalry due to them occupying different territories.
Bike appears to have suffered a spinal injury - massive bite marks and puncture wounds were evident on his back. His body was discovered in an area where there is a heavy presence of lion prides - could it have been a lion that launched this attack? Nature is kind, yet devastatingly cruel at times. This is the cycle of life, where the warriors and strong survive. On the plus, our Bike had a good innings - 15 years old isn't bad going!
Here is our tribute to the Bike.

A close-up of the stoic and powerful legend of a male, Bicycle Crossing. 

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The Bicycle Crossing male crouches down to lap up water from a small pan. Bicycle Crossing seems incredibly agile and alert. He probably has a kill stashed in a tree somewhere and took a break to replenish his thirst! 

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The Bicycle Crossing male on patrol in the Sabi Sand. It is always sad to hear about the death of a legend, but we're pretty sure this majestic leopard put up quite the fact.

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Even hero's need to take time out from a busy schedule of patrolling, scent marking and stalking prey. Leopards relax on termite mounds - this gives them an elevated position to survey their landscape. 

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Bicycle Crossing on the move during the cooler hours of the day. 

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