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.
While our lions have not had any more cubs (there was a suspicion that one River Pride lioness had dropped her cubs, this now doesn’t seem as certain), the three litters that were born in the second half of 2023 are all still alive and well. The Sark Breakaways got the new year off to a cracking start when they caught a young zebra while Scotch and Steven were watching them late one morning. They continue to pop in and out of our western sections, showing a particular affinity for the areas around Nkhari. The River Pride are moving great distances, which takes them way north in the Timabvati, but invariably brings them back to our area. Around Christmas, the pride was seen with a few different kills in the area. The Vuyela males have been following them north, but after a couple of days of absence, they usually return with a notable need to lay claim to their territory and roar through the night. One of the Vuyela males was seemingly seen close to the Mayambula Pride while I was on leave. With seventeen members around, the Vuyela male wasn’t interested in getting too close. Aside from that sighting, the Mayambulas have not been overly active in the east, with their tracks being seen more than the lions themselves. In the west, the Giraffe Pride continues to operate around the plains that are also brim-full of game…unless it was the day I went down there and it poured with rain!