Lions of Sabi Sands

[Fredymrt]

From: Umkumbe Safari Lodge.

Over the past couple of weeks we've enjoyed numerous lion sightings, with the Kambula lionesses being in the limelight. We've been in sightings with the Avoca males mating with one of the Kambula females, observed the Birmingham males strutting their stuff close to the vehicles and watched them mating with the Kambulas. We've also spotted the Kambulas with the Matshipiri males and spotted them fraternising with scar nose from the Majingilane males. The Kambula pride are known for spending time with these various male lion coalitions, so we're not surprised we've caught them in the act with various suitors.
We'll provide a full lion update in the new year, but to get the ball rolling here is a series of images of the Avocas mating with one of the Kambulas. See you on the other side of 2017 with a big cat update - it's going to be a good one !

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One of the Avoca males checks to see if this Kambula lioness is ready to mate. She's clearly in oestrus and ready to continue her bloodline. The Kambulas are a pride of 6 young lionesses, that were previously referred to as the Mhangeni breakaway lionesses.

*This image is copyright of its original author

A flehman response from one of the Avoca males testing the hormone condition of the Kambula lioness. A male lion uses the Jacobson organ to "test the air" for the female's scent to see if she's fertile. The pulling back of the mouth and closing of the nostrils exposes the organ to effectively test the scent.

*This image is copyright of its original author

One of the Avoca males was spotted mating with one of the Kambula lionesses. Guest managed to see a full flehmen grimace in action !
A lion's mating affair is rather arduous and takes place consecutively over 4 days with sessions lasting 10 seconds.

*This image is copyright of its original author

One of the Avoca males bares his teeth and crumples its jaw. The is the flehmen grimace, a comical physical response that happens when male lions test the air for signs of fertility in their potential mate. The Kambula lioness was clearly ready for action, despite her rather coy demeanour. Reply