Lions of Timbavati

[Potato]

Tanda Tula update

The question on everyone’s minds this week has no doubt been a concern regarding the fate of the two missing River Pride cubs.  The day after writing last week’s blog, I did come across tracks for the two cubs walking around unattended, and my spirits lifted slightly in the vague hope that they could still be alive.  The next day I received a report that one of the guides had found the two of them walking around near a regular River Pride haunt, and for the next three days the cubs stayed in the area of Nyati Pools, but on each of those days, there were no signs of the pride anywhere near that area.  Almost a week after finding out that the two cubs were missing, we picked up on tracks for the pride, including some cubs moving to the east.  We followed up and upon emerging from the Machaton Riverbed, were greeted by the welcome sight of two Nharhu males.  Some nearby growling led me to believe that there was a mating pair of lions not far off, but as we made our way towards the sounds, I was rewarded with a much sweeter sight.  Not only were the River Pride lionesses there with the cubs, but unlike last time, there were not only four cubs in attendance, but miraculously all six cubs were back together, and all of them were looking in great shape. Needless to say, there were big smiles from all of us!  The pride had clearly fed well the night before, and it was a fantastic moment to see all thirteen members of the pride together at once.  It might sound odd to say that bearing in mind that they are a pride, but this was the first time I had seen all of the pride members together since the cubs have been born.  This union lasted a couple of days and we caught up with the rest of the pride the next morning with all members enjoying some family time together.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Another report this week was that of a possible sighting of the Zebenine lionesses seen walking along our western boundary. As we haven’t seen them for many months, and have no idea where they have been hanging out, it is entirely possible that they may have pitched up in this location.  Unfortunately, this story did not have the joyous news we would have liked. It sounded like the young lioness had been involved in a fight, and with fresh wounds all over her body, she was not looking in good shape.  Time will tell if this was indeed them, and whether or not the young lioness will make a recovery.  As always, we will keep you updated with any further news. Reply