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Lion tales
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August 2011
Majingilanes vs Matimbas at Nkhoro As shared by Cedric, Ranger at Nkorho - 1st August 2011 Morning - Our drive was all about the Majingilane's vs Matimba lions. It all started out with 4 x Matimba'a (male lions) calling from the south of baboon pan. Then all of a sudden we got four of them moving across gowrie main in a northerly direction. We parked on gowrie main wishing that they would come south again. Then suddenly we got lions calling just south of baboon pan, i waited and then got visual of three male lions coming north. It was the Majingilane's busy calling claiming there territory. The four Matimba's did not back down and started calling from the north and came south again face on with the Majingilanes. The Matimba males ran across gowrie main again and headed towards baboon pan where the Majingilane's were, but the Majingilane's tucked there tail under them a started to run south with the Matimba males right on there heels. The vocalisation was immense as they were all calling trying to claim the territory. We just waited on gowrie main, and it was not long before we got the Matimba males running north again with the Majingilanes hot on there tail's. This happened several times, it was like a ping pong battle. The Matimba males moved further north but still calling like crazy and the Majingilanes settled just south of baboon pan. Tired from the mornings affairs. With all that commotion this morning I'm sure the other Majingilane will be joining his brothers and the other two Matimba males will be joining there brothers. Maybe tonight will be interesting. Watch this space. Regards Cedric (Nkorho ranger)
https://www.elephantplains.co.za/big-5-blog/2015/06/rangers-report-may-2015/
May 2015 Majingilanes vs Styx vs Southern Matimbas With all this lion activity in the area something was bound to happen. The two young Styx males were roaring the one evening and that brought in the dominant males from different areas. The next morning it was chaos in the bush, as two of the Majingi male lions were chasing the two young Styx males around. The two Majingi males were still marching east when they were stopped dead in their tracks by two big roars from the east. The two Majingi males turned around and jogged back west, constantly looking over their shoulders, to make sure that no one was running after them. The two Matimba male lions were running from the east straight west after hearing the roars of the Majingi males. The two Matimba males left their females and their kill behind to run west and take on the Majingi males. The Matimba males pushed the Majingi males out of their own territory, which was a bit strange. The main question on everyone’s mind at this stage is for how long the Majingi male lions will remain dominant? The Matimba males also moved all the way to our open area in front of our lodge, scent marking and roaring. Usually the Majingi males would respond with a roar but there was nothing from them. Just silence…
https://wildearth.tv/2009/07/roller-coasterrollercoaster-male-lions/
History of Rollercoaster male lions After the previous blog about the Styx Pride of Lions, we thought you may enjoy reading more about the Roller Coaster coalition and the last surviving male that until recently dominated the Styx Pride. Information/background has been gathered from various sites (Mala Mala, Londolozi, Djuma, Savanna, Nkorho, Elephant Plains, Singita, Exeter, Arathusa, Ulusaba, Inyati, Wildwatch, Idube, Leopard Hills, Simbambili) and their sightings databases along with helpful Rangers and staff at the various lodges and reserves answering questions sent their way. Roller Coaster/Rollercoaster Males, AKA Shaw Males, AKA Castleton Males Originally a Coalition of Six These six males were born into the Castleton/Ximungwe pride in 1996. The same pride that also gave us the Tsalala Pride and the Ximuvanyane Pride. They were sired by the 5 Sparta/West Street males (the same coalition that sired the Mapogo Males). It is unclear how the Coalition of 6 was whittled down to just two by early 2006 but various reports suggests Bovine Tuberculosis and death by other lions was most likely the cause. By 2001 there were 5 surviving. 2002, four were surviving as one was believed to have been killed by another lion. One more disappeared and was believed dead by Aug 2002 leaving three. Of these three, one could easily be identified as he was missing an eye. The three became the dominant males of the Selati/Shaw Pride which by (2004) had 12 cubs sired by them. It was reported by Mala Mala in February 2006, that the one male missing an eye was confirmed to have died. He had been in poor condition for some time. The two remaining Roller Coaster males had taken over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride by Aug 2006. This being the pride the Mapogo Coalition originated from. This pride today consists of three lionesses. Two are sisters of the Mapogo Males and the one old lioness may very well be the Mother to some of the Mapogos. The Eyrefield Pride currently has nine cubs approximately 18 to 20 mos old (5 males, 4 females) sired by the two Roller Coaster males and just recently accepted into their pride the Sub Adult male, Solo, from the Tsalala Pride of which the Roller Coaster male seems to accept. The two brothers sought to oust the surviving old Split Rock male from his dominance over the Styx Pride. Which they finally succeeded in doing in 2007. It is suspected the Roller Coaster males contributed to the loss of all the Styx pride’s cubs in the later part of 2006. Sadly, in June 2007 one of the Roller Coaster brothers was killed by a crocodile. Only one survives today. The lone survivor still has control for now over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride and their 9 cubs. He must also have some dominance over the Styx Pride, if any one lion can dominate the Styx Pride, as several of the Styx lionesses reportedly gave birth in 2008 with at least 9 cubs still surviving. The Styx cubs are believed to be sired by the old Roller Coaster male. He has been seen spending most of his time with the pride and interacting with the cubs. Though there is speculation that some of the Styx cubs may have been sired by the Mapogos, the old Roller Coaster Male accepts them all as his cubs. Update received Mar 2009 from Andrew at Mala Mala: The two oldest Styx Pride cubs were sired by the old Roller Coaster Male, seven were sired by either the Roller Coaster Male or the Mapogos or a combination of both, the newest cubs recently born are sired by the Mapogos. Upadte May 22nd 2009 The last two months have been erratic for the Roller Coaster male. It was reported he had been ousted as the dominant male of the Eyrefield Pride and the Styx Pride by two Mapogos (Kinky Tail and Mr T) that seem to be on a mission in Mala Mala to take control over these prides. The majority of the Styx Pride, with cubs in tow, have fled the area as well as the Eyrefield Pride. Eventually, the old Roller Coaster rejoined the Eyrefield Pride but they have suffered several attacks by the two Mapogos. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of two of the sub adult cubs and members being separated. As of this date, the 3 adult lionesses, 7 sub adult cubs, the old Roller Coaster male along with the young Tsalala male, Solo who has been accepted into this pride, have reunited and escaped into the Londolozi area. Only time will tell what the outcome of this conflict may be. June 10th 2009 – Where are you “old” man? You were mysteriously missing from the Eyrefield Pride when viewed in Mala Mala. June 26th 2009 – The old fella reappeared near the West Street area of Mala Mala. He was on his own but looking well. The next morning, he had disappeared once again. Note of interest: 1. Lionesses from the Charleston pride (Mala Mala) are thought to be sisters or cousins of the Roller Coaster males due to interactions between the pride and the coalition when they were seen together in 2002/2003. 2. It is believed the Roller Coaster Coalition may have fathered the 2 younger Mapogo Males. When the Roller Coasters were a young coalition and still consisted of 5 surviving males, 4 ventured into West Street Males’ territory and were reported to have been seen mating with the some of the lionesses of Eyrefield/Sparta pride that the aging West Street males still held dominance over. The lone surviving Roller Coaster male is a beautiful lion and we can only hope he is able to maintain his dominance over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride and the Styx pride long enough for the cubs to reach independence. Update: Seems the old lion has lost his place as dominant male of the Styx Pride and may well be losing it with the Eyrefield Pride as well. He is a real “character” too. Rangers in the Mala Mala area often joke how he can find a meal no matter where it is. If it is free and easy, he will locate it.  *This image is copyright of its original author Along with his dislike of having to exert himself to secure a meal, he also seems to have an aversion to fighting/defending his territory. If their is a conflict involving other males, he is more likely to let the girls in his prides handle the situation while he hangs out with the cubs or heads in the opposite direction. All said and done though…. he is a remarkable “old” man!
At the beggining I wanna warn that story bellow is in big part mistery so those are only informations I could get, not whole picture of the events.
http://www.sabisabi.com/blog/1015/lions-at-war/ https://blog.pillbox.co.za/2012/04/10/lion-warfare-autumn-2012/ https://www.sunsafaris.com/blog/2012/05/southern-male-mapogo-update-by-brett-thomson/ https://www.sabisabi.com/blog/1108/mapogo-male-lions/ Year 2012 Mapogos (Makhulu and Pretty Boy) vs Kruger males (Fredy and Limper) warfare Part 1 April by Sabi Sabi: It was still dark when we left the camp as we tried to get a head start on the sunrise and capture a few photos of dawning of a new day. As we reached the open area with a beautiful view to the east we settled in amongst a herd of zebra, switched off the vehicle and sat in complete silence waiting for the sun to peak its head over the horizon and warm our magical piece of Africa. The sounds of the dawn chorus came in from all directions immediately putting a smile on my face. Suddenly the chorus was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of lions roaring.  *This image is copyright of its original author As the first two finished roaring another group started to roar in return and so the tennis match of territoriality began. After the sun had peaked we made our way towards where the roaring had originated and it wasn’t long before we found tracks for the Southern pride. We tracked for a while and they were eventually found moving south away from the roaring. As we sat and watched 6 of the females and all 8 cubs we could hear the roaring getting louder. The guests were focused on the lions and I was listening to the radio as some of the other vehicles were trying to find the source of the commotion. Next thing Brett called in that he had just seen one of the Mapogos running at full pace north and roaring at the top of his lungs. The Kruger males were found shortly after that and they too were roaring but their body language was completely different to the mapogo seen bolting away from the Kruger males.  *This image is copyright of its original author When I eventually joined up with the males they were looking confident and in superb condition. They walked along the road, rubbing their heads through the trees and scent marking as they went along. Suddenly they stopped to listen and we could hear the resounding sound of more males calling in the distance. They returned fire and the sound of that awesome roar echoed through the chilly autumn air leaving my guests and I speechless. It was amazing how often they let the explode from their lungs making sure that all the competition around knew who was the boss of this land.  *This image is copyright of its original author What happened through the night and early hours of the morning is not completely clear. From what we have pieced together the Mapogos ran into the Majengies and were chased into our reserve, here they were greeted by the belligerent Kruger males who too wanted them out as fast as possible and drove them out. The Southern Pride wanted nothing to do with this craziness and beat a hasty retreat of their own to get the cubs to safety. The next couple of days should be interesting to see how this all pans out! From the coments section: ranger rich says Thank you Juanjo! No new info yet beside the fact that the Mapogos have now been chased into the central Sabi Sands by Solo and the Sparta males. April by Londolozi: few weeks ago the four members of the Southern Coalition launched a successful attack on the remaining members of the Mapogo Coalition. This attack left the infamous Mr T (aka Satan) dead and last two remaining Mapogo members fleeing for their lives. The demise of this king has left many a question mark as to the movements of the various lion prides and males in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and how these dynamics will play out in the weeks and months to come. It is now obvious that a domino effect is rippling through the Sabi Sands and surrounding reserves. Individual lions are on edge and the tension and anticipation of the next event is building, both amongst the lion and human population. We are in the midst of yet another changing of the guard. As it stands the remaining two Mapogo Males appear to have thrown in the towel on their old domain and have run south facing pressure from the Majingilane Coalition, the Southern Coalition and the KNP Males. Sightings of these aging males are occurring throughout the south and occasionally central areas of Londolozi, whilst the aspiring Southern Coalition appear to have claimed the entire western section of the Sabi Sands. As the winter draws closer, we can only conjure up guesses as to how this new territorial dominance will shape up and what sequence of events will unfold next, particularly after the Mapogos run in with the Majingilane and KNP Males over this past weekend. That leaves the two remaining Mapogo Males, referred to by many as Bent-Spine and Makulu. I fear that they are in trouble. In my opinion they wont risk another run in with Southern Males. If the Majingilane stick together as four than they are simply too strong. Years are not going to be kind on these surviving two. So this leaves them with south. The southern areas are currently patrolled by two exceptionally strong males called the Kruger Males. If it came to a two on two battle I would place my money on the Kruger Males. And this is where I feel the final battle ground and resting place of the legendary Mapogo may lie. My guess is that the death of both Mapogos will take place in the winter time, and sooner rather than later… This mornings numerous lion sightings confirm that things are heading on a collision course. All four Majingilane Males were accounted for, as were the Sparta Pride females. One Mapogo male was seen feeding on a waterbuck with an unknown lioness and then two unknown males (possibly the KNP males) were seen together with four lionesses. Every drive is unpredictable and offers the opportunity for the story of lion warfare to unfold! May by Savanna Lodge: They continue to trail the large herds of buffalo and frequently try to hunt these large herbivores. The two ousted surviving Mapogo brothers have been seen to the east, where they have temporarily taken up residence between the two existing coalitions, Southern and Majingilane, which both consist of four males. However, it is only a matter of time before they will be forced from this area. May by Sabi Sabi: It has all been happening on Sabi Sabi over the last few days. After the hippo died the predator activity went through the roof with the Southern Pride and the Kruger males feeding off the carcass as well as a huge clan of hyenas. With all this commotion the Mapogos also found their way down to the southern section of the reserve and although there has not been any interaction seen between the Kruger Males and the Mapogos, we are left to hypothesise what has been happening on the reserve. On the same day the Kruger males and the Mapogos were found relatively close together and the Kruger males seemed to be the lions on the retreat. Could the Mapogos be causing an upset in the chain of command down here in the south?  *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 What will happen over the next few days, weeks or even months is unknown. The only certainty is that we are going to witness some of the most amazing lion interaction ever. I look so forward to it and to keeping you all updated!  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author From the comment section: ranger rich says ranger rich says ranger rich says
https://www.sabisabi.com/blog/1360/i-am-legend/
https://www.sunsafaris.com/blog/2012/07/mapogo-lions-chased-towards-earth-lodge-by-brett-thomson/ https://blog.londolozi.com/2012/07/24/a-sighting-of-the-south-pride/ https://blog.londolozi.com/2012/08/30/is...lion-dead/ Year 2012 Mapogos vs KNP males Part 2 July from Savanna Lodge: Richard de Gouveia from Sabi Sabi reports this morning that one of the Mapogo was seen running at high speed past Earth Lodge, and in hot pursuit were the Kruger Males. The sighting was accompanied by lots of roaring and aggression! It was before game drive, so they were not able to follow immediately. On subsequent follow ups it seems that it was a small altercation with minor injuries. The fact that the Mapogo lions have now been chased back towards Earth Lodge seems to indicate that they really have nowhere to go anymore, and it is only a matter of time before they face their demise. After being chased today they are now hanging out very close to the edge of the border of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Although we all love the Mapogo I was chatting to a friend of mine, Courteney Blunden, (who used to guide at Lion Sands and who is now the owner of Africa on Foot), and he witnessed the Mapogo establishing their territories in the early days. He mentioned that they were the most vicious, violent lion coalition he has ever seen, and slowly but surely it seems that you reap what you sow! The life of a male lion is not easy! I was lucky enough to see the Mapogo when I visited Savanna Private Game Reserve, and we came across five of them resting. To come across five males lions lying in the bush, on an open safari 4×4 is intimidating enough and the sighting remains with me today! As a memento I bought the below picture of them drinking at a waterhole and the photo was taken by Paddy Hagelthorn. It is now framed and takes pride of place in my home office! Long live the Mighty Mapogo! News flash! Just heard from Mele Andru that apparently the one Mapogo’s testicles have been badly damaged in the fighting this morning. Not good news at all.  *This image is copyright of its original author July from Sabi Sabi: ben coley says Thanks for all the comments everyone. I hope it was a fitting article for such an influential coalition! News from the fight yesterday morning is that one was seen briefly with quite bad injuries to his testicles amongst other areas…but we don’t know the extent of the injuries just yet. We did find tracks for one deep in south of the reserve this morning but couldn’t locate him. It seems I underestimated the Kruger males. Although the remaining Mapogo are larger, I can only posit that their desire has left them and they merely seek to live out the rest of their days in relative peace.
They have graced the Sabi Sands with great memories and we are honoured to share what seems to be the end of their days here at Sabi Sabi. We will keep you posted on events as they happen. ranger rich says Goerge, we found PB but no sign of Mak…PB was looking skinny and in my opinion didn’t seem very happy! We will keep u as informed as we can! July from Londolozi: It is in this area however, that one of Londolozi’s most elusive lion prides provides us with occasional drama. The Southern or Selati Pride sometimes poke their noses into our property from the reserves south of us, so it was with great excitement that we received reports of them lying up one evening at a prominent waterhole.  *This image is copyright of its original author Two Londolozi rangers headed down there early the next morning to try and find them, but three hours of tracking revealed little else but some dusty footprints, a totally consumed zebra carcass, and one slightly scruffy hyena sniffing about. The lions’ tracks headed back over the boundary, so it was to our great surprise that late that same evening, they had crossed back onto our property, and were spotted by tracker Andrea Sithole. Doubting they would still be there in the morning, we nevertheless returned to the scene, and as we expected, only tracks in the sand heading south over the boundary revealed that they had ever been there. While scouring the surrounding roads in the hope that they might still be around, we received a radio call from ranger Dean Smithyman that he and tracker Freddy Ngobeni had heard the sound of lions fighting to the east of us. Three vehicles immediately moved into the area, and within half an hour the pride had been found, far to the north of where we expected them to be, outside their usual territory, deep in the territory of the Sparta Pride.  *This image is copyright of its original author We will never know what the reason for the growling and snarling was. Had the two enormous male lions with the pride (known as the Kruger Males) had a run-in with the Majingilane coalition? Had the pride been fighting over a kill? Blood on the nose of one of the males and a cut on a lionesses’ flank were the only clues as they headed steadily back to more familiar ground in the South. We were content to let the mystery lie, and simply enjoy an exquisite morning with the largest lion pride currently in the Sabi Sand. From the comment section by James Tyrrell: "The sighting took place on July 14th, but the Pride’s tracks and those of the Kruger males have been seen a number of times since then on or near our Southern Boundary." Note: fight in Sabi Sabi was reported to be at 12th "Todd these are indeed very big males (KNP males), definitely bigger that the Majingilane. They have been around our Southern areas once or twice more since this sighting, and their paw prints alone dwarf those of the Majingilane. As Thelma says, 4 vs 2 might be too much for them to handle if they do bump into one another, and with one of the Kruger males having a lame hip, it would be fair to assume that the Majingilane males would come out on top in an encounter." August by Londolozi: Two days ago (28 August) we found what we believe to be the remains of a male lion. Very little of the body remains: only a few fragments of bone, hair and the tell tale dark mane pieces, strewn about over a small area. The grass was flattened in the area suggesting that the animal had been fed on and the carcass finished off, more than likely by hyenas. A closer inspection of the area suggested that the death must have been a couple of weeks ago. There was indeed very little left and so although we can not be 100 % sure,it really does look that way! Identifying the individual is impossible from the scare remains, but a little bit of ‘detective’ work gives us a good idea as to who it may be. The mighty two Mapogo Males were both seen alive and well a few days ago south of our boundary. This rules out it being one of them. A sighting of the Southern Pride together with the two Kruger Males over a month ago though does shed some light. Rangers reported that one of the males looked in a bad way. We had received reports of a big clash between the Kruger and Mapogo Males just a few days prior to this. On about the 20th July this male was seen again alone; this time in exceptionally poor condition. Where he lay motionless, was about 200 meters from where we found the lion remains! Since then, that Kruger Male, known by many as Limper, has not been seen by any of the lodges in the Sabi Sands. Tracker, Solly Mhlongo, aged the lion remains at 3-4 weeks old…winding back the clock and it all fits perfectly. So we speculate that the remains we found belong to the missing and now assumed deceased Kruger Male. If it is him, he leaves behind him a single Kruger Male to rule over the large Southern Pride. The cause of his death is, and will probably remain, unknown. Again we can speculate that a run in with the Mapogo or Majingilane Coalitions may have been his downfall. So pencil in mid- late July 2012 as the possible date of passing for one of the stalwarts of the southern Sabi Sands… Note: So we have: 1. July 12 fight Mapogos vs KNP 2. July 14 KNP seen in Londolozi in good condition 3 July 20 Limper seen in Londolozi in very poor condition (althrough did not encounter any info about any battle wounds so I presume he was just thin, starwing) There is a mistery. What do you guys think? Who killed Limper? Mapogos, Majingilanes, or maybe it wasn't even run in with other lions at all which caused that degradation in his condition which lead to his demise like hunting go wrong or snake bite?
https://www.sabisabi.com/blog/1702/kruger-male-vs-mapogo/
https://www.facebook.com/SabiSabiReserve/photos/p.416961968351460/416961968351460/?type=1&theater https://www.sunsafaris.com/blog/2013/04/legend-lives-on-mopogo-lions-over-the-last-year/ Mapogos vs KNP Part 3 September in Sabi Sabi Last night I was privileged to spend some time with the Southern Pride as they moved through the still of the night looking for a potential meal. The Kruger Male was following close behind and we had some great opportunities to photograph him.  *This image is copyright of its original author He is looking great and clearly showing that he is the king of this area. Even though we didn’t hear them roaring while we were with them, I did hear them when we got back to the lodge. After dinner service I could hear the distinct call of one male lion close to the camp (KNP Male) and then 2 other males replying (Mapogos).  *This image is copyright of its original author This morning we found the pride with no KNP male with them and Michell, after some great tracking was able to find him almost 15 kilometres away from the pride. After she had spent time with him she went down to the Sabi River for a coffee with her guests and saw the Mapogos lazing in the river about 200 metres away.  *This image is copyright of its original author There is no doubt that there was interaction between the three males last night but from the looks of things the interaction was not physical. It is my guess that the Mapogos had heard the KNP making his way down there and decided to rather make space than face any form of confrontation. Patrick Flanagan, a guest at Earth Lodge took the photo of the 2 Mapogos below. Thank you for sharing!  *This image is copyright of its original author From the comment section: juan says (random dude) Hi Richard
Thanks for the amazing pics The Kruger Male is by far my favourite lion in the Sabi Sands, he looks a mean beast. How does the Kruger Male compare in size to the Mapogo’s ..? ranger rich says From the Sabi Sabi facebook:  *This image is copyright of its original author Shirley Ann King-Hanna (random dude) Good to know Richard is a Ranger. Thanks. I am a writer, tend to put mystery into the books I write, have two books published, so when I get on a subject such as this, I try to catch up on it all and like to get all the details so I understand all that is happening. So that I am on top of it all. So excuse so many questions. :0) Richard De Gouveia (Sabi Sabi ranger) No worry Shirley, the fight you are talking about was with the 2 KNP males where Mak was injured and went missing for just over a month. He has since rejoined with PB and they moved off our reserve and went in to try steal a buffalo kill that the Southern Pride had pulled down and the remaining KNP male was with them. On their approach to the kill about a week ago the Southern Pride and KNP male chased them all the way into Kruger which is when Tony Parks photographed them. They have since come back into the reserve, probably last night, and are in the Southern section of Sabi Sabi. Mapogos later on: What has occurred in the last year has reignited hope within the hearts of Mapogo fans, even though it is widely acknowledged that these males have seen their best days and now is the time to accept their deaths. A battle with the two Kruger Pride males left Makulu worse for wear and Pretty Boy skulking in the territory he had once called his own, and a sorrowful community of supporters once again prepared to mourn the final the loss of the Mapogo pride. It wasn’t until later in 2012 that both of these veterans were sighted, side by side, entering the Kruger National Park through the gate attributed to Paul Kruger, himself. The vision of a scrawny Pretty Boy and the dulled glow of Makulu’s eyes sent a surge of excitement that lifted the spirits of all who were hoping to see the Mapogos again. A sad image of their bedraggled appearances, yes, but a living representation of the strength and persistence that branded them “legends”. Hopeful curiosity prevailed once again when the pair were seen feeding on a buffalo in October last year – a progressive sign of strength. Alas, a good feed sent both lions into hibernation, and neither were seen again until the birth of the New Year. In January 2013, Makulu – a term Zulus use for a respected elder – made an appearance at MalaMala, neighbouring his old haunt, the Sabi Sand Reserve. The fact that he was alone leads us to assume one thing – the oldest of the famed Mapogo coalition has outlasted his younger comrades and his dynamite career has come down to a solo performance.  *This image is copyright of its original author
http://web.archive.org/web/2010010514515...une09.html
June 2009 Estern Mapogos vs Toulon males During the morning drive, the Eyrefield males were found south of West Street bridge. They moved southwards searching for something, and finally came to rest close to Rattray’s Camp on the western bank of the Sand River. The three young male lions from the buffalo kill were found fat and fast asleep on the eastern bank opposite Rattray’s Camp. In the afternoon, both sets of males got active. The young males - still full - didn’t move far, while on the western bank an unseen threat approached. The Eyrefield males got active early in the afternoon and continued their quest from the morning. Searching along the river, the two males headed for the position of the younger coalition. Crossing the river, the two Eyrefield males picked up the scent of the other males and made straight for them. Once a male lion picks up the scent of its enemy it becomes silent, moving through the veld with murderous intent - and these two males were intent. Surprising the three sleeping males, the two dominant males set about their task with gruesome ambition. Springing to their feet, the young males tried to defend themselves - but without much success. They were soon overpowered. Turning and running, the three youngsters split up - trying to escape into the darkness. The Eyrefield males gave chase. In the ensuring fight, rangers were able to catch glimpses of skirmishes as lions flashed past the spotlights. Eventually, as the roars subsided, the Eyrefield males regrouped and came back to the river to drink. The three youngsters had vanished. 
OLD ROSS/GIRAFFE MALES
Back in 2008 The Three Beautiful old Ross Males In their prime. In this year they had been sired the old Avoca/Giraffe Males (Born in 2008/9) This is a short History about the old Ross or Known as the Giraffe pride Males. (Written by Ziggi Hugo) They were the Original 3 Giraffe pride Males. Klaserie Reserve that was fenced had the 2 Ross males with the Ross pride. Hunting took place in both reserves at the time and some point 1 Giraffe male disappeared or moved off from the other two males. The Two Ross Males were hunted and the fence between the reserves were dropped just after that time. The Ross pride were without males. The Giraffe males saw the gap and added the Ross pride to their territory. The commercial lodge in the area started naming them the Ross males and others in the area followed suit. Hence my point that these males were the Giraffe males and not the Ross males. The Giraffe males fathered the current males called the Ross Males that is currently moving around Ngala, Orpen, Northern Maneyleti and south west Timbavati. The same Giraffe Males fathered the Rockfig Male that was around Rockfig Lodge in Timbavati and moved later into Kruger Park and was seen around Bobbejaankrans, Mudzanzeni and Talamati area. They also father some other males with Avoca pride that disappeared around ages 2 and 3. The Giraffe Males also had 7 Sub males with the Giraffe pride. The 2 older males from the seven become the New Avoca Males. 2 Males went north and I did not see them again. The other 3 Males moved south and occasionally with the 2 Avoca males. That is where the people started talking about the Avoca/Giraffe coalition. The second last offspring of the old Giraffe Male was the Young Giraffe male that moved into Thornybush through a hole that was made in the fence a few weeks before the fence got removed. He was not brothers of the same age than the others. July 2008 Timbavati Photo Credits: Gregoire Blond  *This image is copyright of its original author
Tintswalo about Avoca/Giraffe males:
What a feeling to experience a walk by from a coalition of male lions! The Giraffe Males are a coalition of five males. Four of the males were born in September 2009 and the 5th male was born in September 2011. Four of these males have joined up with the two Avoca males and is known as the Avoca/Giraffe coalition. The two Avoca males are about 9-10 years old. Theres a bit of confusion of the numbers for Avoca/Giraffe coalition between previous post of Old Ross males and this Tintswalo post. Old Ross post says that they had 7 subadult sons born in Giraffe pride, 2 where older and moved of before, they joined Avoca pride, and where called new Avoca males, 2 of them moved north and never seen again and the rest 3 joined their older brothers 2 Avocas and formed a coalition of 5 Avoca/Giraffe males, they had another son 2 yrs younger then these but he never joined them, he moved on his own in Thornybush and is now known as Giraffe male. This post from Tintswalo says that they where 5 Giraffe males (they didnt include 2 older Avocas and 2 that moved north) and that 4 of them joined their older brothers Avoca males, and 5th 2 yrs younger left on his own in Thornybush. So the previous post says that there was 3 Giraffe males that joined 2 Avocas and Tintswalo post says that they where 4 Giraffe males joined 2 Avocas. So which is correct? Where there 5 or 6 lions in Avoca/Giraffe coalition? Does anybody have more insight in this??
What I understand from this is that there was 7 males in Giraffe pride. Two moved off towards north leaving 5 males known as Avoca/Giraffe which Tintswalo is talking about. From this 5 one split off in 2017 (that born in 2011) and dominated Black Dam pride.
(04-19-2020, 06:14 PM)Potato Wrote: What I understand from this is that there was 7 males in Giraffe pride. Two moved off towards north leaving 5 males known as Avoca/Giraffe which Tintswalo is talking about. From this 5 one split off in 2017 (that born in 2011) and dominated Black Dam pride. Yea but you are missing 2 older Avocas, it says 7 in total including 2 older Avocas + 2 that left north, that means that only 3 where left that later on joined 2 older Avocas and form 5 Avoca/Giraffe coalition, that doesnt include Thornybush Giraffe male. And Tintswalo says that there where 5 Giraffe males ( not including 2 that left north and 2 older Avocas) and 4 of them joined 2 older Avocas to form a coalition of 6 Avoca/Giraffe males, without Thornybush Giraffe male So between this 2 stories we are missing 1 lion. Giraffe male that is now in Thornybush was never part of the Avoca/Giraffe coalition, as he didnt join 2 older Avocas with his 3 or 4 Giraffe brothers.
Are you sure that Thorynbush Giraffe was not part of Avoca/Giraffe coalition? What was he doing then up untill 2017. Also Tintswalo mention Giraffe male born in September 2011 to be part of that coalition. Isn't it Thornybush Giraffe male?
Going back to Avoca/Giraffe numbers then firstly Tintswalo post we are talking about: "What a feeling to experience a walk by from a coalition of male lions! The Giraffe Males are a coalition of five males. Four of the males were born in September 2009 and the 5th male was born in September 2011. Four of these males have joined up with the two Avoca males and is known as the Avoca/Giraffe coalition. The two Avoca males are about 9-10 years old." What possibly is important there post is from November 2017 and Giraffe male get into Thornybush in January or February same year. Now what if think that those 2 Giraffe males which moved north in fact reunited with their brothers - the Giraffe males? That way we have (going through Tintswalo post piece by piece): 1. " The Giraffe Males are a coalition of five males. Four of the males were born in September 2009 and the 5th male was born in September 2011" - so there 2 which suposedly left north, 2 other and one younger - Thornybush Giraffe 2. "Four of these males have joined up with the two Avoca males and is known as the Avoca/Giraffe coalition" By the beggining of 2017 Thornybush Giraffe leaves his brothers in order to conquer Giraffe pride which leaves 4 Giraffe male which join 2 Avoca males 3. " The Giraffe Males are a coalition of five males" This part I do not quite understand. Either one of the six died somehow which is actually possible since they were dying one by one without infact being defeated by any aoalition or I do not know. Those above ofcourse are just my try to understand situation. I do not know that well history of Avoca/Giraffe coalition. Also Ziggi Hugo is a Shindzela guide so his informations about Avoca/Giraffe coalition since they left Shindzela may not be reliable, as he did not work with that coalition anymore. (04-19-2020, 10:33 PM)Potato Wrote: Are you sure that Thorynbush Giraffe was not part of Avoca/Giraffe coalition? What was he doing then up untill 2017. Also Tintswalo mention Giraffe male born in September 2011 to be part of that coalition. Isn't it Thornybush Giraffe male? Well it says on both post that Thornybush Giraffe male didnt join 2 Avoca with his brothers,it says that he was part of 5 Giraffe coalition when they where young and prob still with the Giraffe pride , and then 4 of them joined 2 Avocas to form 6 Avocas/Giraffes. Idk what he was doing, as being 2 years younger i assume he stayed longer with his natal pride because of that and then left on his own and eventualy ended up in Thornybush. It can be that this guide from Shindzela doesnt have full info of this males after they left Shindzela, so those 2 males that went north might later on reunite with their brothers. This only works like that, that 2 males that he said went north returned and joined their brothers, so then we have 7 giraffe males (2 older avoca males, 2 that left north but returned born 2009, 2 that stayed born 2009 and 1 Thornybush Giraffe male born 2011 ) of which 2 older Avocas left earlier. Only then we have 5 Giraffe males that Tintswalo mentioned (4 born 2009 and 1 born 2011) of which 4 born 2009 joined 2 older Avocas and form a coalition of 6 Avoca/Giraffe males.
Giraffes with Avocas cooperated at least since mid 2015 when they together mauled one of Matimba males and took over Ngala. I presume they cooperate from much ealier and did not go after MAtimba's lands right away after they reunite. I do not think it even makes sense to speak about Giraffes and Avocas as two separate coalitions.
3 SAND RIVER MALES
 *This image is copyright of its original author 3 males, born in Skukuza/Hilda's Rock pride around Skukuza , exact birth date is unknown, but its estimated around 2008, who sired by Old Skukuza males. They started their nomadic lives in 2012 and headed north into Sabi Sands. South of Sabi Sands was dominated by 2 powerful KNP males Freddy and Limper, while central was dominant by ruthless 4 Majingilane lions. They've had close encounter with Majingilane lions after exploring their territory in Londolozi in October 2012, 2 young males flee while 1 was caught and only pure luck saved him from certaint death, as Majingilanes wasnt that interested into killing him. That male lion was the most famous of their coalition and is know under the name "Bent Spine" : As 3 young males realize that Majingilanes are too powerful for them, they retreat further south in their origins territory around Skukuza and south Sabi Sands, where powerful Freddy lost his coalition partner Limper in a battle vs Mapogos and is left alone to defend massive Southern Pride. But before settling their eyes on a big prize of Southern Pride, in early 2013 they take Skukuza/Hildas Rock pride, which was previously holded by their fathers Old Skukuza males, and they ousted their 4 half brothers Skukuza males, later known as Kumana males ( a lot of people can confuse this 2 coalitions, because 3 Sand River males where also called Skukuza males, just like 4 Skukuza/Hildas Rock males, later be know as Kumana males in the north). Idk how many cubs they sired with Skukuza/Hildas Rock pride, but eventually that whole pride around 2015/16 was killed off by Southern Pride, leaving only 1 young male alive, Hildas Rock male of DeLaporte coalition. In mid 2013 they invade Freddy territory, Freddy who was in big truble already, strugling to hold on big Southern Pride, they where a lot of spliting in the pride, females mating with Sparta males Solo and Cleo and 4 young Skukuza males, more on this Londolozi blog : https://blog.londolozi.com/2013/06/18/li...ide-split/ But he still manages to defend the pride from invaders and against 3 Sand River males: But eventually towards the end of 2013, 3 Sand River males win against other challengers, chasing away 4 Skukuza males and 2 Sparta males Solo and Cleo, injuring Solo in the proccess and invade Freddy, who lost control of Southern Pride and become nomad, partnering with his former enemy Solo, who also lost his partner Cleo by the theets of Selati males. The new kings of south Sabi Sands and big Southern pride where 3 Sand River males.  *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 Bent Spine:  *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 A lot of young males where starting to hang out around their territory in 2014 and 2015 like 2 Fourways males and 2 Charleston males, even younger, this new males where big and very confident : But they held their territory and pride, manage to sire 15 cubs with Southern Pride,unfortunately none of the cubs survived to adulthood. Until mid to late 2015, when invading Fourways where seen starting to mate with their lionesses, followed by 2 Charleston males, and all 3 coalitions begin to fight for Southern pride, of which 2 Fourways male get the upper hand. https://www.sabisabi.com/blog/8050/lions-of-sabi-sabi/ Sand River males decided to retreat further south into their territory in Kruger, abandoning Southern Pride. They also lost 1 member around that time, rumors where that he was killed by buffaloes in a buffalo hunt. In 2016 they spend their time around Skukuza, its unknown at that time if they had pride or where nomads. But sightings of them where less and less, and by arrival of Mantimahles towards the end of 2016 in this area, its been rumor that 1 off them was killed by Mantimahles, while the last one run away from this area, deeper into Kruger, his fate is unknown... I hope you guys enjoy this story of Sand River males, who are very underrated and mysterious lions, they where warriors from their young days, but unfortunately lived in a timeline of big warzone in south Sabi Sands, which lasted almost whole decade, ultimately decimating massive Southern Pride, which is now left on only 1 lioness. |
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