Lions of Timbavati

[Duco Ndona]

Death is a constant in nature. Off cource when going on a safari, we all hope to see those hear adorable scenes of cubs playing while mom takes a well earned nap in the sun. But things are only as idyllic in the first year of a lions life, and only if things go right. 

Sadly your visit occured in a moment of the prides history that they are on their most stressed. The little cubs have grown into hungry teenagers putting huge stress on their mothers to secure enough food for everybody. Meanwhile their protecting coalition appears to be in bad shape and a takeover is near. 

I dont have the exact history of the pride myself, but If I am to speculate, the lionesses are likely avoiding the subs to avoid them being killed by the new males and to ensure they themselves are getting enough food (With one subadult male being stubborn enough to follow them rather his brothers and sisters). They probably still join up occasionally, but not enough to sustain the larger subadult group. 

This resulted in the young lions largely being largely left to fend on their own aside from disabled male and sadly it seems, they are much to young to survive on their own for a group of that size. Sadly this is not the first time we saw this happen. Most famously a few year back with the Mangheni twelve. 

As this is all part of nature, the reserve is not likely to intervene. I think most people here agree with that for various reasons. But I can get why it can be disappointing as a tourist. 
Though I am not as pessimistic as the guides. Lions are resilient animals and have beaten the odds countless of times. Even the Mangheni twelve had survivors and this group will probably have as well. Reply