On our very first morning at Londolozi we met our very excited ranger, Mike Karantonis, and tracker Shadrack Mkabela, at our vehicle at 05.40 am. They had both heard lions roaring near the river. We drove to the causeway and turned right. After a few moments we found three adult female lions and four cubs of the Tsalala Pride. They were languishing on the flat rocks beside the river. We stayed with them long enough to get some silhouette photos against the rising sun and to identify one of the cubs as more mischievous than the others. I was also able to get a great video of the mischievous one “attacking” an adult.
Imagine our delight two days later when we found the Tsalala Pride again. This time the adults were stretched out in the grass, warming in the early sun from a cold night. The cubs had too much energy to laze about and were out on the road playing. In the next few minutes I had the privilege of capturing this series of photos of the same mischievous little cub, chasing and swatting his brothers and sisters.
Some would have labeled him a bully… but I called him ‘The Great Hunter’.
With great focus the hunter makes his way stealthily towards his target.
The Great Hunter accelerates toward the intended target.
The Great Hunter has his intended target in sight.
The Great Hunter closes for the takedown.
The target turns out to be too quick for the Great Hunter and the intended target escapes.
It was an honour and privilege to share a few moments with these young cubs. Thanks to Mike, Shadrack, and to all the people of Londolozi for the great work you do every day in preserving this opportunity for all to see.
Written and Photographed by: Ed Hubbard.
Watch nine lions cubs as they have some fun with one another at Londolozi:
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also enjoy Ed’s blog, ‘A Wee Tired Elephant’ – view here.
Lovely blog. Awesome pics, great sighting
That is how they grow up to be a skilled hunter in order to survive . Unlike most human hunters
Hi Ed, thank you very much for yet another wonderful blog post! I so enjoy seeing the young animals – elephants and now lions at play. I look forward to your next post.
Oh thank you Ed for the amazing pictures & video of those mischievous little cubs, one was so determined to get mom’s tail to “sit” still, but got interrupted by a sibling! Oh just gorgeous thanks again. When’s the next one?