The Charleston Males

[fursan syed]

Sabi Sand Lion Cubs Put on a Show for Umkumbe Rangers


We think it’s time for another lion pride update from the Sabi Sand. This time we’re not delivering the guts and glory tales of gory kills and blushing moments of lions mating. Today we bring you photos of tawny bundles of lion cubs, specifically the new Sabi Sand lion cubs that have breathed new life into the reserve. They’re so young and fluffy that you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re just big bunches of fleecy yarn rolling about in the wilderness. So, just which pride of lions has given birth to two potential leaders?
The cubs belong to the Charleston males and one of the Southern Pride lionesses. Recently, rangers have spotted the Charleston’s, the cubs, the lioness with cubs and the full Southern Pride, all engaging in different activities. All in a day’s work here in the Sabi Sand! Marius and Nadia, rangers from Umkumbe Safari Lodge, sent us their images to showcase rather memorable moments with these lions.
Here’s the breakdown of Umkumbe’s recent lion pride sightings:

The Downtime

Marius Zeilinga showed his guests a once in a lifetime lion pride sighting. They came across the Southern Pride together with their cubs and the protective Charleston males. They were doing what lions do best – lazing around. Lions sleep for up to 20 hours a day and conduct their more energetic activities, such as patrolling and hunting, during the cooler hours of the night.  They were spotted during the day and later in the evening.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Feast

Nadia and her guests spotted the full Southern Pride feasting off a buffalo kill. The Charleston males and cubs were all enjoying their dinner experience. There’s a definite hierarchy involved when lions sit down to eat. The dominant males eat first, then lionesses and cubs.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Roaring

The Southern Pride of lions and the Charleston males were very vocal the other night. They were heard contact calling in the dead of night. Lions call to advertise territory and to make contact with other members of the pride. At night, sound travels further because the air is still and things are deadly calm. Luckily, Nadia filmed one of the Charlestons roaring! The true sound of the African bushveld.

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