Lions of Timbavati

[Timbavati]

The Return Of The King 
"Back in May 2017 - the reign of the Trilogy (a coalition of 3 dark maned lions) had been over for almost a year after the death of one and another being in decline from a buffalo injury. The territory was up for grabs and the remaining Trilogy male was chased off by rivaling lions - the Mapoza males (which funnily enough translates to 'those who chase') and the old brute Mabande who was staking his own claim in the Klaserie region.
Approximately 7 months had passed until, on a particularly misty morning, the last standing Trilogy male made his way back through his old territory. I was luckily working in the area, so got to see his return after hearing and learning about him and his brothers. He was old and terribly scarred, but none the less magnificent - a true King with a face showing countless battles, unbelievable endurance and majesty. After following for a short while, we lost him in the thick bush. This was the first, and only, sighting I had of him but after hearing and learning of the pride dynamics of the region, it was particularly awesome and honouring to be able to have witnessed first hand such a tiny portion of that iconic history."
Photo and writting credits: Samuel Cox Photography 

*This image is copyright of its original author

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