It is with much excitement that we can confirm that there are two new additions to the Lions of Londolozi. In the last 3 weeks we have started seeing two cubs belonging to one of the Sparta Pride lionesses. Although we can not be completely sure as to a date of birth we speculate it at around the middle/late September 2011. The Sparta Pride have had a real up-and-down last 2 years since the passing of the notorious Shaws Male back on 1st January 2010. It is with a big smile on my face that at last I can tell you that the pride appears to be in good health.
The two Sparta Pride Lion Cubs play around in the green summer grass - Adam Bannister
A mother's tail is the ultimate play toy - Adam Bannister
Currently the two very relaxed cubs are spending time roaming around the central and eastern sections of Londolozi under the guidance of their mother and another Sparta Lioness. The remaining three females from the pride are always not too far away and we are hoping that there may be more additions on the way from their side.
The father’s of the cubs are the infamous Majingilane Coalition who appear to have settled in nicely into the central and eastern portions of the Sabi-Sands. I don’t want to speak too soon but it does appear as if, at last, the Lion dynamics in the Sabi Sands are starting to stabilise some what. One thing is for sure though…we are still in for lots of excitement as we now have two prides at Londolozi with youngsters.
Written, filmed and photographed by Adam Bannister
Oh THANK YOU Adam…… all cubs are adorable and these two are certainly no exception. Fingers crossed that the potential great lion wars are done.
Good news , thanks . Any clue of the sex of these 2 cubs ?
I think both may be females but I would need to see them again to make sure
How amazing.
Just when I thought I had run out of reasons to come back
Adam it does look like they’re both females, and I know that’s the general consensus among the trackers…
What a happy sighting – they are quite beautiful. Your video lifts the spirits. I look forward to more news of the little ‘girls’.
So Adam, has a razor finally met your chin or are you still in heavy metal mode? I do hope you guys got loads of donations, you certainly must have got the record for “hits” on a blog posting. Well done to you all.
You’ll be pleased to know that all the rangers have taken off their moustaches, Byron wanted to keep his on but we convinced him otherwise. We most certainly did get alot of hits on the blog, good to see that so many people enjoyed it!
What wonderful news Adam and your pictures are beautiful with so small cubs
So excited to see new cubs, this was the pride I had the privilege to see during my visit in August 2010. Adam – I was curious about the young male that was trying to lead this pride at that time (after the Shaw’s male died). What happened to him? He was with them when I visited before the Majingilanes came to town.
Heather the lion you are talking about was the male we called the Tsalala Young Male and others called Solo…we have not seen him in a while! I have a feeling that he left the Sparta Pride along with the 2 other young males. The 3 of them headed south from Londolozi. If any of our readers have seen him lately or heard of his whereabouts please do let us know.
Lovely! Hilarious, as well…love how they tackle and roll around. Thanks for sharing!
Any news of the Tsalala pride?
Hi Adam ~ Wonderful photos and stories. I was fortunate to be with Daniel and Like when these little cubs were first discovered, one of the highlights of my trip last month! Sending good energy to the cubs and to the lionesses with the hope the Sparta Pride will fully rebound! I also hope the Tsalala Young Male is strong and healthy wherever he may be. He left an impression on me when I saw him with you on my 2010 visit. Keep up your excellent work Adam – as ranger, photographer and story-teller! Jillian
Tsalala male and the 2 Eyrefield males are near Tinga game lodge/Skukuza area, they are reported to be very skittish when seen due to the 3 Toulon males that have also left Sabi Sands and headed south into that area of Kruger.
Adam i remember reading an old blog where you mentioned seeing the Toulon males, can you give any specifics on that sighting, how many were there, date of sighting, did they have any interactions with any other lions in your area and anything else you can remember from that day?
the Tsalala male and the 2 Eyrefield males have been in Tinga/Skukuza area but are very skittish when seen by rangers due to the presence of the 3 Toulon males who also left the sabi sands and went south into that part of Kruger. Adam i remember reading that you saw the Toulon males once, can you tell me how many were at the sighting, the date of the sighting, did they have any interactions with any lions in your area and any other details you remember about the sighting would be appreciated. also would Londolozi ever consider putting past years weekly sightings reports on your site, i know many people would read the old sightings reports from as long back as you guys have.
Thanks Jason
Jason thanks for the update regarding Tsalala Young Male. I would love to see a picture of him if you have. It is always great knowing that an animal you became attached to is still doing well. As far as the Toulon Males…let me think…I personally have only seen them once and that was in the deep south of Dudley…Siding 61 Dam. There were no other lions around as far as I remember. When they headed off it was south…but that was some time ago and I dont think this is the incident you are talking about. Sorry? As far as the sightings update archive goes…I will chat to the team this side. If you have any other info re lions in the area please do share
Jason…in terms of sightings histories. We are going to leave the old sightings up and then you can just scroll down.
Hi Adam, i was wondering do you think Londolozi would put up all the sightings histories they have from before July 2011, as far back as you guys have would be great. Also just heard Tsalala male and 2 Eyrefield males were seen last week at Kirkmans and half tail Eyrefield male is still looking sore from his past injuries.
Hi Jason, thanks for your interest in the weekly sightings and thanks for the updates on the Eyrefield males and Tsalala male, always good to hear about them. To answer your question regarding the weekly sightings, the answer is unfortunately no as the task of transcripting and publishing all the sightings from 1976 (and potentially even further beyond) is just too daunting a task for the time being. Perhaps in the future we will get them online, however for the time being they will have to remain inked into our sightings book. When you next visit Londolozi please let me know as I would love to show you the book and let you browse through it from years gone by. rich
Hi Rich, i was reading a old blog from August 2007 on Londolozi and it mentioned that Chris Kane-Berman told a story of 2 ten year old male lions that were in a fight with 5 new males and the fighting went on all night and resulted in the 2 males being killed and the 5 new males taking over londolozi, the 5 new males ruled for 3 years. I was wondering if you know which male coalitions these were and the date of the fight?
So enjoy all of the history of these lions.