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.
"It was a cloudy afternoon, and our plan was to head out and look for buffalo and rhino, but we heard the Styx Pride was not too far from us so made our way to them. The entire pride was together – 3 lionesses and their 11 cubs – all lying in a small open area. The little ones were very active, running around playing with each other and biting onto any piece of wood they could find.
Our guests were delighted to see the cubs as they stalked each other and took part in a bit of play fighting, as only young lions can! The light was soft which allowed for excellent photographic conditions as the lions moved around close to the vehicle."
"After picking up tracks of the Styx Pride a few meters from Selati Camp, we decided to follow them. We trailed them on foot as they cut into a big area which was hard to follow in the safari vehicle and found them in a drainage line. It took us a while to get to where they were, but we eventually made it and what a worthwhile exercise – the pride was feeding on a kudu kill!
Over the past few days, the pride has looked hungry, and we were hoping they would make a kill soon but didn’t expect this. The cubs even seemed less playful, not wanting to waste any energy but seeing them on the kill, they were full of beans, happily playing around with full bellies and still more to eat from the carcass."
"We followed lion tracks for a while and noticed hyena tracks following in the same direction. Vultures were starting to land not far from where we were. We explained to our guests what this could possibly mean, and excitement grew! We headed straight towards the vultures and as predicted, we found a lion pride feasting on a big buffalo they had killed, possibly only a few hours before we got there.
The Styx Pride has done so well in taking care of their cubs and ensuring they remain well fed and healthy. Over the past few days, we have seen them on a kudu kill and now a buffalo! The cubs need a lot of food as they are no longer suckling from their mothers, so the females have their work cut out for them until they can assist in hunts when they get a little bit older."
'After a good meal, the Styx Pride were content and resting in the late afternoon. We had noticed one of the females was missing and was seen drinking water from the waterhole in front of Selati Camp, quite a distance from the rest of the pride. Suddenly, one of the adult females sat up and was instantly alert. There were soft contact calls coming from the east. A short while later the pride re-joined the female, and all were happy to see her.
Lions have strong social bonds and care deeply for each member of the pride. This is evident every time a pride member re-joins after a short time away. Lions will affirm social bonds often by grooming, and with soft nudges and nose touches.'
