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.
(07-25-2021, 07:40 PM)Timbavati Wrote: The two white lionesses of the Giraffe pride and the three white cubs at Walkers River Camp
Photo credits: Wayne Donaldson, October, 2014.
*This image is copyright of its original author
I am assuming all of these white lions are dead now, as the only three living today, to my knowledge, are Casper and the two Birminghams. 2014 wasn't so long ago, given possible life spans of females, not to mention these small cubs.
I don't know what happened to the cubs, but I think one of the females was killed by the Mbiri Boys. She was caught in the middle of a scrap between them and another coalition. It's been a while so my memory is fuzzy, but it was either the Ross males or maybe the Mapozas. Either way, they're unfortunately all dead. You're right about Casper and the two Birminghams being the only two left in the wild.
That's what I thought, thank you! Also, welcome to WildFact, we look forward to your contributions.
You're welcome and thank you!
I don't know if you were following lion dynamics in and around Timbavati back then, but it was an interesting time around 2017-2018. I remember seeing a picture of one of the Trilogy Males with a chunk of his face missing. I think they lost a battle to the Ross Males. I'll see if I can find the picture. Maybe one of the other members with a better memory can provide some details. I wouldn't mind a walk down memory lane. :)
I started casually around the end of 2018, and got more heavily interested the following year. Random YT video popped into my feed about Big Mak and Pretty Boy, and I simply haven't been able to stop learning about these creatures since. Still remember the video, as it kept referring to PB as The Phoenix. Ross males are currently involved in one of the most puzzling scenarios I have read about, with BYM, very confusing situation. I have not seen that image you refer, so would be great if you do come across it.
Another blast from the past 2016, when the then two Trilogy males fought the two younger Ross males over mating rights to the Avoca pride... Photo credits: Johan Smalman
*This image is copyright of its original author
That's the one!!!
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(07-28-2021, 09:53 PM)Timbavati Wrote: Side profile with the smaller-maned Mbiri male was photographed at Tamboti Tented Camp in Kruger National Park
Photo credits: Adam Zimmerman
*This image is copyright of its original author
Wow, he looks great in his one. It's been a while since he looked this good. The hair connecting his mane to the tufts on his knees hasn't grown on all the way back yet, though.
(07-28-2021, 09:53 PM)Timbavati Wrote: Side profile with the smaller-maned Mbiri male was photographed at Tamboti Tented Camp in Kruger National Park
Photo credits: Adam Zimmerman
*This image is copyright of its original author
Wow, he looks great in his one. It's been a while since he looked this good. The hair connecting his mane to the tufts on his knees hasn't grown on all the way back yet, though.
His mane has grown quite well lately. Really unfortunately that his tufts on his knees hasn't grown yet. I guess it is due the lack of food and stress. Either way glad to see him in this condition. He has been looking tough and battered for ages.
The Return Of The King
"Back in May 2017 - the reign of the Trilogy (a coalition of 3 dark maned lions) had been over for almost a year after the death of one and another being in decline from a buffalo injury. The territory was up for grabs and the remaining Trilogy male was chased off by rivaling lions - the Mapoza males (which funnily enough translates to 'those who chase') and the old brute Mabande who was staking his own claim in the Klaserie region.
Approximately 7 months had passed until, on a particularly misty morning, the last standing Trilogy male made his way back through his old territory. I was luckily working in the area, so got to see his return after hearing and learning about him and his brothers. He was old and terribly scarred, but none the less magnificent - a true King with a face showing countless battles, unbelievable endurance and majesty. After following for a short while, we lost him in the thick bush. This was the first, and only, sighting I had of him but after hearing and learning of the pride dynamics of the region, it was particularly awesome and honouring to be able to have witnessed first hand such a tiny portion of that iconic history."
Photo and writting credits: Samuel Cox Photography
Nharhu males with River pride and with Myambula pride
New aditions to the Myambula pride are still there.It sounds very starange that pride would accept some outsiders into their ranks as prides are terrytorial, but I've got my personal, purely speculational theory as to what could be a reason for that. What the Mbiri males started taking over Myambula pride this pride consisted of 5 adult lionesses and one litter of little cubs. After Mbiri males succed in taking over the pride only 4 lionesses and no cubs were making Myambula pride. My theory is that 5th lionesses left the rest of the pride and raised her litter by herself and now reunited with core pride and was accepted due to adult lionesses being familiar with her. Still it doesn't explain why her subadults were accepted as well, but possibly the theory could explain dynamic within that pride to some extend.
(08-02-2021, 10:57 PM)Timbavati Wrote: The smaller-maned Mbiri male with a lioness on the H7 5KM outside of Tamboti Tented Camp
Photo credits: Marcel Opperman
*This image is copyright of its original author
Lionesses of which pride is she?
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(08-02-2021, 10:57 PM)Timbavati Wrote: The smaller-maned Mbiri male with a lioness on the H7 5KM outside of Tamboti Tented Camp
Photo credits: Marcel Opperman
What may have been disease, injury or even possibly predation, a 15 year old elephant bull has given this super pride, the Klaserie River pride, a colossal meal. With close to 30 lions, they have largely consumed this adolescent elephant, possibly close to four tonnes, within 72 hours...the circle of life continues.
