It is with a heavy heart that I bring you sad news from this mornings drive. The body of an adult lioness was found. Although nearly impossible to identify, it appears as if she is the lioness from the Sparta Pride whom had the 2 cubs aged between 6-8 months.
The remains of the lioness found lying in a part of the reserve that we call 'The Vlei'
We can not confirm the cause of death, but judging by the state of her body we assume that she has been dead for a few days. This is thought to be the same lioness that sustained an injury about 2 weeks ago. Since then she had been seen a few times but no one ever her moving. Every time she was seen, she was lying down in the grass, whilst her 2 cubs played beside her. We believe that the injury and the death may be related.
One theory is that in an incident a fortnight ago, the lioness tried to chase a female leopard (Tamboti Female) up a tree. Tracks and signs suggest that she may have climbed a tree, but then fell and landed on a sharp branch. We will never know, but this may be documented as the possible cause of death: internal injuries and the date of death around 29th April 2012. It is very clear, however, that hyenas have since been feeding on the decaying carcass.
At this stage we are not sure whether her 2 cubs are still alive or not; no evidence has been found to suggest either way. Time will tell whether these two small cubs will survive. In my opinion, their only hope, is if they can find the remaining four members of the pride and that one of the lionesses looks after them. At this age they are finished with the milk and onto meat. That may make the situation a little easier. We watch in fascination to see how this chapter unfolds.
It is sad, when one considers the issues that the Sparta Pride has endured over the last three years, to loose a pivotal player in their set up. Yet, so is the so called ‘circle of life’. Today we report the death of a lion, whilst just a few days ago we celebrated the first views of new lion cubs. Oh, the strange way of mother nature!
For interest sake I have inserted a video clip of when these 2 cubs were seen for the first time back in early December 2011. We hold thumbs that they will pull through under the watchful eye and support of the Sparta Pride.
A photo taken by Talley Smith of the Sparta lioness (center) that we think may be the one that was found dead
As of a few hours ago three members of the Sparta Pride were seen sleeping about 50 meters from the site of their dead pride member. One wonders what, if anything, is going through their minds about the loss. The Sparta Pride now sits at only 4 adult lionesses. Lion Warfare continues and we will continue to try keep you posted on the latest developments.
This photo was taken a month ago. As rangers, and trackers, we try to remove emotion from what happens out here in nature, yet it is hard to not feel some sadness inside my stomach as I write this piece.
It is sad to say goodbye to a lioness that gave so much for her pride - you will be missed
Written by Adam Bannister
Dear Adam,
That is sad news.
And now I understand your comment of the other day “all that’s going on at the moment”.
Was this female the oldest or the 2nd oldest of the pride ?
I hope that the 2 cubs get protection from the other females.
Thank Adam for this writing. Very sad news! This lioness has deserved better for sure, now that a new chapter for this pride is going to be written…sadly without her. She was one of 3 lionesses, the remainder of a once big pride, being able to hold on and pull through 5 youngsters against all odds coming with the take over of the Mapogos some years back. She was one of 2 lionesses finally bonding with the Mapogos and giving birth to a new litter, only to lose the fights in the end to protect them against a new taking over coalition of males. And she was the one lioness of the pride being able to raise a new litter to that point. Surely a remarkable lioness.
For her 2 cubs this is mostly likely the end of the road … way too early. To that end I really hope I am wrong and we can witness a miracle. It would be the first one in many years.
RIP girl….we hope the best for your cubs.
Thank you Adam for this touching blog.
It’s hard to talk (write) about the news like this!!! As Adam, I suffer when animal dies as a man dies. I hope more and more good news comes!!!
Thank you Adam….people like yourself are so passionate…I am so grateful that there are people like you that take the time to tell us the truth, but still have compassion. I know how much it must hurt you everytime you come upon a scene like this….I pray you stay strong and continue your excellent work…much gratitude, Sandy
Oh Adam very sad news. May she rest in peace free from pain. Hopefully the remaining females take over care of the cubs and they live a long life! 🙁 With a very heavy heart I say thanks for this update.
This is so sad. Praying for the little ones to get the care they need.
Feels like another death in the family and unbelievably sad. How much more can a pride take and survive? Life is a crap shoot, no more so than in the wild. I hope the two surviving cubs are ‘miracles’ just like their little cousin was…that would be good news and just rewards.
Thanks Adam, even though it’s sad, it is important.
Hope the cubs do ok. I saw the exact same scenario in a doucmentary once, when a lioness chases a leopard up a tree and then slips and lands on a branch and dies right away. The other lionesses’ managed to dislodge her and then after a while, they ate her. Or perhaps she and the cubs ran into the Tsalalas alone and they gave her a good hiding-but I guess the injuries would show up externally too.
Either way sad to see her go, just when the pride seems to be on the mend. One does appreciate some characters-like BB the original Tsalala-who manages to pull through and raise so many to adulthood.
News from this morning, the two cubs are alive and were seen with the 4 remaining lionesses. A positive for now but we will see what tomorrow brings.
Well, this is so emotional I knew I should have waited until after work to read this. I hope the other lionesses take care of the cubs and they grow up and kick tail like their mom.
Sad news… We tracked and found her and the cubs in Feb 2012 when we were there. Have great pictures of them…
This is so sad, it was only a matter of weeks ago that I saw this lioness from just a few metres away, with her cubs, looking very content. It’s so hard to believe that mother nature can be so cruel at times. I really do hope the cubs are soon adopted by another lioness. Although it’s so upsetting to hear news like this, I really do appreciate the regular updates from such passionate people. Thanks again for all that you do.
It does make me wonder what happens to the herbivores that lose a mother? I guess just struggle along until some predator catches them? Nature can indeed be cruel.
Does anyone have an update on the two cubs?
We were also there in mid Aprl and have beautiful picturs of the cubs and their mother. At that time she would only move her head, but cubs looked great. Please update as soon as possible. Thanks.
Saw the two cubs – on drive with Sean .They are adopted by their aunt, who already has three smaller cubs
Please keep us updated on how this amazing story unfolds. Especially as she obviously looks after her own three cubs first and THEN the others ( who are sadly looking rather thin). – but the 2 older ones nonetheless looked determined to survive !
RIP to the LIONESS who fought many battles for the safety of her cubs
I’m sure you’re much more familiar than any of us watching videos with lion identification, but the caracas of the lioness has something between her hind legs in the photograph that look to be male genitalia, though it could be anything because it’s not terribly clear.
On another topic, I followed with some interest the colorful sabi sands group of Kinky Tail, and Mr. T., and Mapago males…..shocked to find my reactions to their loss of the pride land and pride and especially to their deaths, brutal as they were.
It’s amazing how feelings start to be had for the animals we see, even by video in a very short time.
Some fascinating connection exists between us.
Anyway, terribly sad news about the lioness and btw, a fantastic portrait of her near the end of the pictures…..she was really the epitome of the scarred and proud lioness.
Awe poor girl- gone too soon.