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.
He was a great example of a lion. He had a strong, unique calmness coupled with a can-do attitude. His pride loved and adored him whenever they saw him. That was obvious. But he needed help to hunt more and more to keep the weight on. He died hunting after suffering massive, fatal injuries but not without standing and walking first, attempting the impossible yet again. But it was not to be this time. We all hoped against hope that he'd make it. His short yet fabulous life was over.
So many will miss seeing him and what he would do day by day, defying the odds. I'm glad he's not hungry, suffering or in pain anymore, cause I knew it was not easy.
I have so many questions… were there witnesses to Dark Mane’s passing?…who found him and is it possible that he was euthanized or did he transition naturally? Apologies if all of this has been addressed already…i am just learning of this now
From what I understand rangers were alerted by a commotion caused by a couple of hyenas already feasting on his body.
So I guess he died around the time he went missing. Most likely his body just gave out and the hyenas were the first to find him.
11-20-2022, 02:59 AM( This post was last modified: 11-20-2022, 04:43 AM by afortich )
(11-20-2022, 12:20 AM)1ofCourage Wrote: He was a great example of a lion. He had a strong, unique calmness coupled with a can-do attitude. His pride loved and adored him whenever they saw him. That was obvious. But he needed help to hunt more and more to keep the weight on. He died hunting after suffering massive, fatal injuries but not without standing and walking first, attempting the impossible yet again. But it was not to be this time. We all hoped against hope that he'd make it. His short yet fabulous life was over.
So many will miss seeing him and what he would do day by day, defying the odds. I'm glad he's not hungry, suffering or in pain anymore, cause I knew it was not easy.
I cannot agree more. Very nice and accurate way to describe DM.
I have expressed already all my admiration for this lion in several posting, I got left with no more words but to wish his bro Mohawk and offspring long life.
Very said to hear about the passing of DM Avoca. When ever I would check for any lion updates I would always lookout for any recent news about DM especially in his area. He battled on for so long with that foot injury.
It was really sad listening to Tessa talking about his passing. I was really hoping DM would some how recover but at least now he's at peace and not in pain anymore.
DM had so much potential and he really gave off that Makulu/DM Majingalane vibe, that foot injury just never let him be himself again. The N Avocas have done great though with one injured and one sick male in just a 3 member coalition. I like the fact that his last meal was with Mohawk, and the fact that he was showing aggression towards Mohawk like he probably used to do in the early days when he was healthy and top dog within the coalition. I knew he was done after that video where he seemed to be trying to roar but most likely just struggling to breathe, his lung was for sure badly punctured by a buffalo horn.
My favourite lion bar none over the years. Sad to hear especially after being full of hope seeing him and Mohawk together just a few days before. Such is life and the bush is an unforgiving place but for all that, he wrestled it to his own way as a dominant male for a good long while. In his sons and daughters he will live on, his purpose in the circle completed.
(11-20-2022, 02:05 AM)Duco Ndona Wrote: From what I understand rangers were alerted by a commotion caused by a couple of hyenas already feasting on his body.
So I guess he died around the time he went missing. Most likely his body just gave out and the hyenas were the first to find him.
If I was a betting man, hyenas found DM clinging to life in the bushes and finished him off. Thats when the Rangers probably heard the commotion. I don't think DM passed 1st, then hyenas found him. Just my own speculation of this, not that it matters 1 bit, just thinking out loud.
(11-20-2022, 02:05 AM)Duco Ndona Wrote: From what I understand rangers were alerted by a commotion caused by a couple of hyenas already feasting on his body.
So I guess he died around the time he went missing. Most likely his body just gave out and the hyenas were the first to find him.
If I was a betting man, hyenas found DM clinging to life in the bushes and finished him off. Thats when the Rangers probably heard the commotion. I don't think DM passed 1st, then hyenas found him. Just my own speculation of this, not that it matters 1 bit, just thinking out loud.
He was really struggling to breathe in one of the videos so I do think he passed before being found. He was internally hurt badly but he wasn't absolute skin and bones on the outside so I don't think hyenas would have gone after him just yet.
In Memory: Dark mane Avoca is no longer. Could this be the end of an era?
We salute him and his brother Blondie who died a month ago. Hail to the Kings!
(11-19-2022, 11:32 PM)criollo2mil Wrote: This gem of a photo was taken by Johan saltsman of two cubbies whom would form 2/3 Northern Avocas.
Two brothers, who now sadly have left us.
On the left, it’s Blondie and Dark Mane on the right.
They look exactly alike here. Even their whisker marks. :) Where is the difference? Would’ve loved to have seen footage of these guys as cubs. Was DM always chill? Mohawk always grumpy? Blondie always serious and not much up for play?
Speaking of Mohawk it’s hard to believe he is on his own now.
Out of the three N.Avocas he’s the only one that has remained healthy and injury free. Hopefully he’ll remain that way and continue to thrive for years to come.
Avoca Male Lions and Their Male Lineage
