The seasons are changing at Londolozi. There is a chill in the morning air and the metamorphism of the bush from bright greens to deep golds, as the water from our summer rains dries, is more apparent each day. The Impala rutting season, where mature impala males begin to compete for breeding rights over females, is almost over. The predators – so tuned into the subtle changes in their environment – have been well aware of this and taken full advantage of the male impalas’ lack of awareness as their focus is drawn towards females and a good fight (I suspect a trait shared by most males in the animal kingdom)!
The Vomba female, now 16 years old and still as beautiful as ever, with her distinctive gold coat and green eyes, has welcomed this year’s rutting season especially as it seems her young male cub has inherited his father’s genes and is growing very big, very quickly! Consider this footage of the cub filmed just 8 short months ago, with the picture below:
We found these 2 leopards as they crossed the airstrip just after sunrise and it was clear from the cub’s exuberance as he jogged along next to his mother that he was very excited for his next meal that his mother seemed to be taking him to. This lively behaviour seemed to rub off on the Vomba female and she joined him in a moment of youthful play in a fallen over Marula tree.
This particular image was taken on the 10th April as Vomba’s cub fed on an impala carcass. If we compare the size of the cub now, it is obvious to see what a difference one month can make – Bennet Mathonsi
The cub spends much of this time with his mother in the Bushbuck drainage line, offering some spectacular sightings – Rich Laburn
After following the pair for a long time through the thick bush we were rewarded by the sight of the horns of a very large dead impala male poking out from a Pteracarpus bush. A full grown impala male outweighs a female leopard substantially, a very impressive kill, and more than enough for both mother and son to feast on for a few days.
Although it is too early to tell whether this male will be able to establish himself a territory on Londolozi, one thing for sure is that he is going to grow up to be a very big leopard – Rich Laburn
With bellies full, it was time for some mother/son bonding time and they took it in turn to groom each other and share a few hours of undisturbed rest, a temporary moment of contentment.
The photographic potential of these two animals is outstanding! Here JV captures a snapshot of the pair as they cross east towards the airstrip – Rich Laburn
Written by Helen Young
Photographed by: Bennet Mathonsi and Rich Laburn
Filmed by: Rich Laburn
I am so pleased to see not only is Vomba’s cub still alive, but how much he has grown. By the time we get there in August he should be one big boy!
Thank you guys for those pictures of this magnificent female and her “youngster”! He is going to be one big leopard and hope that you will keep us homies posted?
Enjoy
You read my mind as I was reading your fabulous account…I’d love to see comparison photos to see the growth. Thank you.
What better way to spend your holiday than writing eloquently about our favorite female leopard and her cub? Great idea to show the growth.
Thanks for our wonderful adventure through Londolozi and all the special sightings.
Jo Lynne and Fred