Lions of Timbavati

[Tonpa]

https://www.umlani.com/blog/post/2021-in-a-nutshell/

A 2021 recap as we reach the end of the year 

The lion prides, in 2021, have had a time of turmoil and territorial fighting, which has changed the dynamic hugely. Things are starting to settle down now, but for weeks, we were very sad to have seen the River Pride move far up North, after their coalition (the Nharhu males) was disrupted by the death of two of the three brothers. A deeply tragic and heart wrenching experience to watch these magnificent brothers fall from glory. One to illness in the first quarter of 2021. The other brother, just a week before his death seemed to have been in his prime, sightings were outstanding, as he showed himself in all his regal glory, and showed off his powerful roar most nights. A week later, we had to watch this poor vulnerable badly injured male lion, get weaker and weaker, until he chose his spot for dying, under (what I call) The Tree of Life, a majestic and massive Sycamore Fig tree on one of the neighbouring properties. The circle of life was complete for this previously mighty King, now quietly leaving his damaged body behind, offering it back to nature as the Hyenas he’d chased off before, devoured his remains ☹

More recently, the River Pride and their cubs seems to be slowly, moving back in the area, at least for visits, and the only remaining brother of the Nharhu males, is still limping around with them, surviving his challenger’s advances on claiming his family. Quite an unusual and interesting dynamic to behold, because neither the River Pride females, nor the skorro male (because of his limp) is calling at night. Quiet as can be, he skilfully evades his brother’s fates; and when he goes on walk- about without his ladies, they call, ever so softly, for his return. And so far, he always returns! I am also very relieved to report, that the three male cubs and one female cub from this year’s litter, are still alive, as well the only surviving cub from last year’s litter (female), who is now a sub-adult.  Although it’s still very unsure exactly who is King of this part of the bush is at the moment, the Mayambula Pride’s two males (and the females) seem to be the only lions calling territorially in the area at night. It’s thought amongst the trackers and guides that perhaps, should the remaining Nharhu male die or leave, that the MayambulaPride may possibly join together with the River Pride females and become one. After all, for a full week while the two males of the Mayambula pride were on a territorial security prowl, our Nharhu limping “skorro” male cheekily capitalized, by scoring with the ladies on a sympathy vote no doubt, and spent the whole week mating with many of the females of that pride. Reply