It had been a lengthy morning of following tracks. Adam and Solly had barely left the southern side of the Sand river as they methodically trailed the spoor towards Taylors crossing. The leopard cub had left small footprints in the sand, yet every now and then they would disappear amidst the lush of green grass that summer had brought. 1 minute and 12 steps later, a soft rustle from a rocky outcrop gave the cub away…..
There are certain things in life worth working for and leopard cubs are one of them. They are challenging to find, commonly elusive and brilliantly camouflaged in their surroundings. Despite the hours that go into tracking and finding these pearls of nature, on some days they are spotted and on others it is just the dust that is left in our eyes.
Born to the Vomba Female, this elusive leopard dominant in the north would often go weeks without being seen.
Daughter of Sunset Bend, her rich golden coat and presence around camp defined an era of Londolozi's leopard dynasty through her offspring.
This is the cub of the Tutlwa female, who is one of the daughters of the Vomba female. You will recall that we captured footage of this cub around three months ago. Sighted infrequently since then, this cub still moves throughout the dense areas around the Taylors crossing, periodically seen with her mother.
I am sure we will see her again and more often. The reason I say this is that she was found again this morning and the day before. With over thirty years of consistent and respectful game viewing, cubs like this soon begin to develop similar relationships of trust and mutual respect as many others have done before. Whether this cub remains under the care and custody of her mother of is dealt more challenging experiences to deal with, we continue to track, find and watch with much interest and intrigue….
Photographed by: Adam Bannister
thanks. 🙂
Adam and Solly you guys are such rock stars! So exciting to find a new cub, she is amazing…please take me to see her! thanks guys!!!
Thanks for the story and photos!