Every now and then we are fortunate enough to experience a feel-good sighting, one that leaves us buoyed up for days. In a harsh place like the African bush, it is refreshing to witness moments of light-heartedness in the animals we view here. Although we try and avoid ascribing human emotions and traits to animals, there is no doubt in my mind that there are instances in which comparisons can be made.
Animals can have fun. One only has to watch a herd of elephants splashing around in the river to appreciate this. Lions and their cubs will revel in each other’s company, and monkeys will indulge in endless games of catch-me-if-you-can around the camp lawns (although I’m sure the monkeys call it something different). Although ‘play’ in the animal kingdom may purely be a developmental part of growth, helping cubs and calves hone various skills and instincts, it is almost arrogant to think that only humans are able to get enjoyment out of life.
The Mashaba female and her cub, well fed and with energy to burn, recently treated us to some wonderful interaction as they tumbled around for over an hour, play-fighting, climbing trees and chasing each other all over the show.
Were they having fun or was the cub simply in training for later life? You be the judge…
By far the greater part of the interactions are initiated by the cub. Her mother often does little more than repulse the attacks. This morning though, the Mashaba female was fully involved in the antics! Here the mother fends off yet another pounce.
Clearly still a one-sided affair as the Mashaba female, herself a big individual by leopard standards, engages her cub in some stand-up boxing.
The following sequence shows that when the mother does not want to get involved, a simple slap-down is all that’s necessary to fend off the cub.
A side-swipe to her mother’s face…
And possibly a wayward claw catching the skin of the Mashaba female…
And swift retribution was dealt out…
But still in a playful manner…
My favourite photo from the morning…
Both leopards fully off the ground as they clash.
A truce is called for a grooming session after a playful morning…
Photographed by James Tyrrell, Londolozi Ranger
Great interaction,i hope the little one stays safe.Have the Anderson male,4:4 male and Dudley 5:5 sorted out their boundaries in Marthly?
Hi Alex,
It’s still not 100% clear where the lines have been drawn, but the 4:4 male, despite being smaller in stature, seems to have carved out a significant chunk for himself. Watch this space…
Awesome sequence of photos.
James. A phenomenal series of photos! Thank you for reminding why I love Londolozi.
Love, love, love these photos!! Mom is definitely doing some training!
Spectacular! So envious – wish we were there with you.
These are simply “AMAZING !” Such fun to see their playful exchanges…….
Fantastic series of images James! I love to see the interaction between Mashaba and her cub. I’m sure they are having fun but I definitely think that Mashaba is teaching her cub some survival techniques that she will need one day when she is on her own.
So amazing! Looks like they are enjoying a day of fun to me 🙂 It’s so nice to see that the cub is still alive. Mashaba is a great mom.
BRILLIANT JAMES SUCH A GOOD SIGHTING AND PHOTOGRAPHS!
REGARDS,
TED.
Just delightful.
Why must it be only one or the other – joyful or educational? Why can’t it be both? Studies show the importance of play in human physical, social and mental development and yet play is also fun. Agree that it’s arrogant to assume we hold the keys to the emotional kingdom. We don’t. Fab pics, James!
Phenomenal photos! Playing with mom is both fun and educational for Mashaba’s cub IMO. Why wouldn’t animals have emotions? We can recognize fear and anger in animals- surely there are other emotions. However, it is probably wrong to think that humans really understand an animal’s state of mind.
Mashaba was the first leopard I saw in the wild and my favorite…loved the photos.
Wow James that’s a fantastic set of photos, mine don’t look quite the same ? I am no expert but it certainly looked like they were having great fun for well over an hour just chasing each other, playing and enjoying time together. It was as ever a delight to spend time at Londolozi, with the animals and with wonderful people.
Hi Paul,
It was a pretty special morning!!