The Charleston Males

[vinodkumarn]

THE CHARLESTON MALE LIONS RETURN TO LION SANDS


On game drive on Thursday morning, 3rd August 2017, two male lions were spotted across the Sabie River in the Kruger National Park. I was expecting this to be the two young males that have been seen frequently in this territory since their predecessors, the Charleston Males, moved out of the area.
When we arrived, I was shocked to see two enormous, striking dark-maned males. One had an unmistakable identifying feature, a tooth hanging out of the corner of his mouth – the unfortunate result of a giraffe kick two years earlier. There was no doubt as to the identity of these males – the Charleston Males. This was very exciting news because these lions haven’t been seen here for almost 6 months since leaving their long-established territory and abandoning their pride.
The word spread quickly that the Charleston Males were seen close to their old territory in the Sabi Sand Reserve, raising questions about what this will mean for lion dynamics in the area. Are they back to reclaim their territory? Will they come return to the Southern Pride, which has struggled without the protection of a coalition for many months?Will they challenge the nomadic coalitions that have moved into the area since their absence?
That afternoon on safari, we were eager to see what was happening with the males, silently hoping that they had crossed the river back to the Sabi Sand Reserve. Along the drive to where the lions were last seen along the river, we bumped into a huge herd of buffalo – 70 strong. It was an intimidating sight as they moved up the bank of the river and swarmed the road in front of us.
As we continued in our search for the Charleston Males, through the trees we saw the two tawny figures across the river. Despite the heat of the day, the Charleston Males were mobile, and with purpose. We turned and followed, parallel with their course along the river. Occasionally they would flop over for a rest before continuing with their mission. Finally one of the boys came to the edge of the river. It was deep at that point, and the water infested with crocodiles and hippos. Surely he wouldn’t cross here. But this lion was determined to cross, and a dangerous body of water wouldn’t stand in his way. There we all sat and watched as the two lions swam one by one, their full bodies emerged, across the Sabie River back to the Sabi Sand Reserve. An epic return! It’s a very unusual and special sight to witness lions swimming. They were clearly on a mission, and we suspected it was for the buffalo.
We moved with them down the road in the direction of the buffalo. Hot on the heels of the herd, there was now little doubt that these males were trying to hunt. The anticipation grew. Excitement doesn’t get much higher than when watching a coalition of male lions hunting. The lions finally caught up with the herd, oblivious to the impending danger. These males are expert buffalo hunters, but buffalo are powerful and not an easy target. With immense strength and sharp weaponry, a wrong move could be deadly. The males moved silently through the thicket, and eventually split up, circling the perimeter of the herd. They were closing in…
Finally the moment struck. The ground shook as a stampede of 70 buffalo tore through the landscape as a single unit, leaving only a thick wall of dust where they had stood together only seconds before. The lions chased after them at top speed. We raced after the herd, knowing the lions would be close behind.
In among the chaos, a group of 5 buffalos had been separated from the herd. One of the lions pursued the group. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the support of his brother who had moved in a different direction. Knowing his chances were slim to make the kill on his own, his pace slowed to a trot. The buffalo now had the advantage, but kept a watchful eye. Finally the brothers reunited, but their position had been blown. They would likely wait until nightfall to try again.
It was an adrenaline packed afternoon, to say the least.
To top it off, the drive ended with this incredible sunset and a very special proposal (she said yes!). An unforgettable day indeed.
Now we are only left wondering if the Charleston Males are back for good.
Words and photographs by: Charlotte Arthun

*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

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