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.
This the Mapogos sister the Iron lady possibly born along with Rasta and Pretty Boy and big sister to Dreadlocks, Mr. T and Kinky Tail. She was tough lioness but that comes with blue blood she was born with! Fathered by the West street males.
The Iron Lady
by Tom Imrie on April 18, 2013 33
In a place where the contest between life and death is so keen, it seems ironic that the passing of a Londolozi lioness should draw much attention in the greater scheme of living and dying. For all of the reasons that make the wildlife of Londolozi so special it is with great sadness that we report the passing of the oldest Sparta lioness.
Over the past month, the Sparta Pride have slowed their erratic movements around Londolozi in order to allow this aged and struggling lioness to keep up with the pride. With an unnaturally swollen stomach and a gaunt, ribbed physique she battled the disease that plagued her. A few nights ago she gave up on her attempts to remain with her pride and she was reported dead by the East yesterday morning. Speculation a few months ago was that she was heavily pregnant. Sadly the hopes of new life within her were to ultimately be misguided and potentially the cause of death.
In her final weeks, the lioness would struggle gamely along with the pride. What will happen to the three young adult lioness that are left? Will they be able to handle the burden of raising 7 cubs without an experienced lioness to lead the pride?
In her final weeks, the lioness would struggle gamely along with the pride. What will happen to the three young adult lioness that are left? Will they be able to handle the burden of raising 7 cubs without an experienced lioness to lead the pride?
In many respects she was “the Iron Lady’ of Londolozi. She was fathered by the infamous Sparta Males and having been born towards the end of 2000 she was the sister and littermate of the now disbanded Mapogo coalition. Poignantly she outlived all of her sisters and all but two of her 6 brothers. She guided her daughters through their first attempts at raising youngsters and in a place so wild and savage to the aspirations of lion, the fact that she can boast to have left a legacy is telling and alone makes her remarkable.