Lions of Timbavati

[Potato]

Tanda Tula update

The cubs are all doing splendidly and are getting bigger by the week. The three younger, cautious cubs are now just the “three younger cubs” and their cautiousness has turned into curiosity. They are now the first to come walking up to the vehicle when we arrive.  It is interesting to note that this appears to be at about the very same age that the older cubs showed their interest in us, indicating to me, that it is not necessarily about how often they see the vehicles as it is about how big they are.  Regardless, they provided for several fantastic sightings this week, particularly around one of the natural pans close to their den sites.  I was watching an elephant bull bathing in the pan early one morning when I heard the lionesses low contact call, only to turn around and see the mothers, cubs and two Nharhu males coming strolling up to the pan to drink.  They continued to play around the pan for the remainder of the morning until I left them to go and see some wild dogs!

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

The limping Nharhu male continued to mate with the youngest River Pride lioness and it is a bit concerning that despite all the mating, she doesn’t seem to be falling pregnant.  The cut-nosed Nharhu male was looking a bit battered and bruised towards the end of the week and it is not certain where he picked up the injuries. It’s most likely fights with the other males over food or mates, but with the Mbiri male lions roaring to the south during the week, the possibility exists that they may have encountered one another? The odds are far greater that the former scenario is closer to the truth.

*This image is copyright of its original author

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