When Mum Engages in Sinister Activities.

Yesterday 29-07-2007, we had the luck of seeing the lioness who is mother of four two-year old cubs mate with one of the 7 males just close to the water-hole at Safari Camp. For the previous days we have had the pleasure of seeing her with her four cubs and calling frequently. The previous day she had just ignored the cubs as they tried to hunt impala and Zebra on several occasions and by sunset she looked very much geared to head south towards Safari Camp. By then we had no idea whether the males were there in that area or not and when it got dark we had to leave herself with her cubs in peace. On the morning game-drive of the above date we then found her with the 6 plus one limping male who kept distance from the rest. We looked around and the cubs were nowhere to be seen. The two who were being intimate continued with their act at a distance from the other males who just watched without any interruption.

Later on our evening game-drive we were lucky to spot the four cubs who seemed to be very hungry and sadly anticipating mum's return. We could deduce that these youngsters had been chased by the big males courting their mother considering that they were 5 kilometres away from Safari Camp.

Posted: Matetsi by Peter Gava, Date: 29 July 2007