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.
A solitary male lion. Our ranger Richard told us that this lion's brother had been killed the week before by a group of younger male lions, and that this lion was therefore not long for the world. Richard estimated his age to be about nine years old, which is old for a male lion. It was heartbreaking to watch him wander around alone. Image by: Kristien
July 19 2010
"Here we are, just over a year on from the death of a lion legend who, during his reign as king, was referred to as the biggest, baddest beast since the maneless, man-eating lions of Tsavo at the end of the 1800s. Over a hundred years of lion legacy has passed between then and now, yet in all the time of lion kings having lived, reigned, killed and been killed; none have been as noteworthy as the Mapogo Lions. A coalition of very distinctive, dark-maned brutes made an unforgettable impression on both the wildlife and the wild-watchers in the Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa. After lethal fights for dominance and exultant triumphs that left pride leaders bloodied and broken, an alliance of characterful males stood tall as the dreaded Mapogo in the Sabi Sand’s western block. In March 2012, an emblazoned battle broke out with the Southern Pride males and the aged legends took on these young, determined fighters. Mr T, as was one of his esteemed nicknames, fought his final battle and died in a violent fashion that had he, himself, had enforced on any foolish opponents in the past. Mr T had emerged as the leader of the Mapogo coalition, as he and his comrades, Makulu and Pretty Boy, tore through territories, annihilating any challengers in their path. Mr T gained a reputation for the merciless killing of cubs and females as he staked his claim in a new pride – a natural instinct and essential to the dynamics of lion existence. We should be reminded that “evil” and “cruel” are descriptions assigned by humans and are not accurate descriptions of the nature of a lion such as Mr T, who was respected by subordinates, admired by young’uns and desired by females within his kingdom. He and his Mapogo allies represented the perfect specimens of power and pride, while their physical strength carried them through an extended period of leadership – into old age and ultimately into death, in the case of the renowned Mr T."
The Mapogo males on a buffalo kill at Singita Game Reserve in Sabi Sands! Look at the size of Dreadlocks! What a beast of male lion he was
Image by: Joe Levy
Old Mapogo Report
Report Credits : Exeter River Lodge
Dated: 14 January 2007
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The Chase
We were about to leave them in their blissful slumber, when another Ranger announced on the radio that there were 4 Buffalo moving directly towards the Lions. The Buffalo came within 30m of the Lions oblivious to their presence! We watched, we waited, we waited, and we waited! Eventually the Lions got the Buffalo's scent and decided to spring into action! One went directly towards the buffalo, while the other 4 circled around.
Suddenly, everything sprang to life and we had buffalo scattering, lions coming from all directions, and buffalo’s running for their lives! The lions made a valiant attempt, but these buffalo were seasoned campaigners and managed to shake off all 5 male lions, leaving the lions hungry and confused, and back to sleep they went.What a chase!
(11-17-2020, 12:41 PM)fursan syed Wrote: Old Mapogo Report
Report Credits : Exeter River Lodge
Dated: 14 January 2007
___
The Chase
We were about to leave them in their blissful slumber, when another Ranger announced on the radio that there were 4 Buffalo moving directly towards the Lions. The Buffalo came within 30m of the Lions oblivious to their presence! We watched, we waited, we waited, and we waited! Eventually the Lions got the Buffalo's scent and decided to spring into action! One went directly towards the buffalo, while the other 4 circled around.
Suddenly, everything sprang to life and we had buffalo scattering, lions coming from all directions, and buffalo’s running for their lives! The lions made a valiant attempt, but these buffalo were seasoned campaigners and managed to shake off all 5 male lions, leaving the lions hungry and confused, and back to sleep they went.What a chase!
*This image is copyright of its original author
Interesting old report Fursan.
I really glad you're back again here. I've enjoyed a lot when I was reading your old posts in this thread a few years ago
Old Mapogo Report
Report Credits : Exeter River Lodge
Dated: 26 January 2007
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Concealing the Kill
There is something very special about seeing a coalition of six adult male Lions. Last night, we watched in awe as five of the six males tussled over an adult male Buffalo kill. Amazingly, it wasn’t just the lions that caught the attention of my guests. Next to the vehicle, not 5 metres away was a neat pile of vegetation. On closer inspection, we discovered that it was the stomach and intestines from the now dead Buffalo. The neatness and precision with which these lions had seemingly gone through was so impressive that guests were rather photographing the pile of vegetation than the feeding lions. Their efforts to conceal the kill had paid off as there was not a single vulture or Hyena to be seen.
We were lucky enough to see this group of notorious male lions that roam together through out Kruger Park and Sabi Sands. There are usually six male lions, on this day there were only five.
Ulusaba-Sabi Sands-Posted on July 2008
Photo credit to: Put in Bay
From Right to Left: Dreadlocks,Rasta,Pretty boy,Kinky Tail and Mr T!
