Over the last few days, I have received a barrage of emails from guests expressing their shock and sadness over the death of the Piva male leopard. Some knew him and watched him grow from a young cub to a mature male while others only saw him for a fleeting few moments. Regardless of the length of time spent with him though, it seems his presence always made an impact on those that saw him; possibly more than with any other leopard who has died on Londolozi in the last few years. His photographs adorn homes all over the world and the emails pouring in filled with stories, memories and condolences have been quite astonishing. This is why today we hand the blog over to you, our guests, to celebrate this magnificent cat from your lenses and perspectives.
Directly descended from the original mother leopard and therefore part of the royal lineage of Londolozi.
Words from Londolozi Guest, Irene Nathanson: Each time I visit Londolozi I feel like I am coming home. Home to me is where I feel welcome and reconnect with those I have grown connected to. For me the people and the animals make me feel like I belong. Many people think, as I did, that a trip to Londolozi is a trip of a lifetime but soon realize that once is never enough. Many who have returned and even those who have not visited, become attached to the lions and leopards that Londolozi is known for. Unfortunately sometimes, as with family, we lose the ones we love way too soon. The same can be said for the Piva male leopard. I only saw him for the first time two years ago on a game drive with Ranger Trevor McCall-Peat. We saw him twice during that stay. On one occasion he was just resting in the shade on a hot October day in 2015 and the other he lay draped over a fallen tree; his strong features making him easy to identify.
On my most recent trip, I also got to see him twice with my Ranger, James Souchon. James was able to keep the vehicle ahead of him so I could capture his beauty as he slowly walked towards and then past our vehicle. The last time I saw him was in the morning light among the moist grass; relaxed and stunning. I say goodbye as I write this with tears in my eyes. His face adorns the walls of my home. He lives on…
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Anthony Goldman
Photography by Anthony Goldman
Photograph by Gabriel Clarke
Photograph by Anthony Goldman
Photograph by Filipe Edstrom
Photograph by Gabriel Clarke
Photograph by Anthony Goldman
Photograph by Felipe Edstrom
Photograph by Robert Walder
Photograph by Anthony Goldman.
Photograph by Robert Walder
Photograph by Gabriel Clarke
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Yves Christen
Photograph by Tony Goldman
Photograph by Gabriel Clarke
Photograph by Karina Robin
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Michael and Terri Klauber
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Michael and Terri Klauber
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Mary Ashley
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Rosanne Zapp
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
Photograph by Giulia and Simon
Photograph by Irene Nathanson
What absolutely stunning photos of a magnificent leopard
He will live on in the memories of all who knew him and this photos, and others, place him in my memory, too. RIP, most beautiful leopard.
Wow. What a bittersweet tribute to this majestic leopard! Thanks SO very much!
Nothing left to be said, except RIP! ?
I, too, saw the Piva male on our first and second trips to Londolozi. I have his picture on the wall in my house. I am so sad he is gone! He was an outstanding leopard and I looked forward to seeing him when we come to Londolozi this September. He was my favorite leopard and I will never forget him!
Thank you Judy. He really did have that effect on people! We look forward to seeing you in September nonetheless… All my best, Amy
How a very wonderful Piva Male!! Heartbreaking very sadly.. My dear Beautiful RIP Piva Male…
Great photos and wonderful sentiments Irene!
Thank you for your gorgeous photo’s Michael. I know how many magic photographs you and Terri have captured during your time here and we look forward to featuring more of them on the blog. All my best, Amy
So sorry about the passing of Piva-We were very fortunate to see him on multiple trips and he was so smart and off course beautiful but on our last time we saw him he had killed 3 different Impalas and stockpiled them on 3 different trees so he was well stocked for a while .He will be missed!!
Thank you for your beautiful photo contribution Tony!!
So sorry to hear such sad news about the Piva male leopard.
I am visiting Londolozi in September having waited so long to see him.
Such wonderful photos of such a magnificent animal demonstrates the effect he had on everyone lucky to have a sighting.
Beautifully written, well done for a life well lived although way too short. He was magnificent!