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.
"Being with those young male lions will absolutely help him and he is getting much needed nourishment by sticking to such lions from time to time."
You judge that only through Hb's perspective. Take it from Nkuchuma and Styx males perspective as well. Young males have absolutely no use to keep HB near.
"Kill him? I believe a lion as experienced as HB could sense whether such males mean him harm by their body language and growls."
Not that he charged 3 Northern Avocas and barely walked alive... Also remember when 3 Tooth Tsalala shared kill with HRM and Shy Boy (coalition partner of HRM. They were peacefully sharing food for one day and in next one HRM and Shy Boy mauled 3 Tooth. Also we could look for a resemblances when 2 yet young by that time Ross males meet on a kill with White Face Giraffe male and badly mauled him. MOreover since HB is in such condition, young males wouldn't need to worry of HB fighting them back and they could maul him simply because they can.
"Even if this is a possibility, he needs to take his chances if the Othawa Pride is beyond his reach more often than not. Other options must be considered."
He must to keep going. I just do not think he can manage to saty alvie much longer no matter how much risk he is gonna take and how hard he will try.
"He might take his new pals with him to kick some tumbela butt?"
Young, healty males won't make a coalition with such old, nearly dying male.
"Also, somebody said that they might kill him, highly unlikely, he and Nkuhuma male hang out few times already this year.. "
I am not saying it is highly likely option, but definitely I wouldn't say it is highly unlikelly option either.
He has lived through 3 different decades. The last photos of his large gaping facial wound was very worrying though, unfortunately too likely to get infected. Whatever happens this upcoming time, lets just hope rangers' activity increases so that they report any (final) sightings.
