Very few things can match the excitement you feel when there are lions roaring near to camp, especially if you hear them just before you set off on a morning game drive.
This particular morning was no different and after a quick discussion with tracker Ray Mabelane, we agreed that we needed to head straight towards the Sand River downstream from camp and find whichever lion was roaring before he disappeared into palm thicket. A sense of anticipation hung in the air as we arrived in the area where the calls had emanated from. We rounded a bend in the road and there on the opposite bank of the river we saw him!
Our first close-up of the male.
Once we had crossed the river for a closer look we were able to establish that the lion was one of the Birmingham males. It struck me as odd that none of the four Birmingham males had ventured into this area for a quite some time – there must be a reason for this foray into the north western reaches of their territory. As we followed him it became clear that he was on the scent of something. His relaxed stroll gave way to a more determined gait. Every so often he would stop, lift his head and sniff the air before continuing on his path. The next hour consisted of this repeated stop-sniff-walk routine as the lion gradually increased the intensity of his movements.
The male was moving consistently, so we knew he had smelt something which piqued his interest.
Suddenly, we heard baboons alarm calling from the trees next to the river a few hundred yards upstream from where we were. The lion immediately made a beeline in that direction. We decided to loop around and cross back over the river and wait for him to emerge on the far bank. As we arrived at our pre-determined spot we were amazed to find that the baboons were alarming at the lone Tsalala lioness who was lying in the palm thicket, completely oblivious to the fact the there was a big male lion heading straight towards her.
The tension was high as we sat watching the lioness reclining on the sand, unaware of what was about to unfold.
The next minute, the male lion erupted out of the thicket and the lioness took off at full sprint! We could barely keep up as the pair of lions disappeared in a cloud of dust. The lioness was running as though her life depended on it (which it may well have) while the male gave chase.
The lioness bolts as the male appears.
By the time we had caught up, the two lions had run about 400 meters in a time that would make any sprinter jealous. The male seemed to lose a bit of steam and this gave the female a chance to put some distance between her and her pursuer. The male resorted to a fast trot as he continued to follow the female through the thick bush. We followed him for a while as he frantically searched for the lioness.
After some more fruitless searching, the male decided to lie down temporarily and rest, which gave us a chance to contemplate what we had just witnessed. We were perplexed, to say the least. The puzzle was made complete a few hours later when ranger Shaun d’Araujo saw the Birmingham male mating with the Tsalala female. Could we have just witnessed a potential rejuvenation of the Tsalala pride?
As is often the case in sightings like this, there are more questions than answers, and lions in particular are difficult creatures to understand. The initial fleeing of the Tsalala lioness may have simply been her natural reaction to the appearance of an unknown male. And likewise, the male’s chasing may have simply been his natural chase response.
Let’s hope after these initial encounters, both lions will become more relaxed in each others’ presence.
Amazing interaction between the lions. Great news that the Tsalala lioness was not harmed. Are male lions slower than females, or has females got more stamina? Lovely blog Nick.
How great this must have been to be part of such excitement. I am glad to hear that this was about mating in the end and not the potential attack which was my initial worry as I began to read the story. Feels good to hear that some of the former inhabitants to Londolozi seem to be coming back. If I were a lion I would say “whats not to like”.
Do hope cubs appear after this encounter! She has been alone for a very long time ,,,, He is a magnificent looking chap! Wendy M
Oh so rooting for our girl to have cubs and thrive in her own pride!!
Very interesting encounter to watch, James. I thought I’d read that there was a strong possibility this Birmingham male had previously expressed interest and had possibily even mated with the Tsalala female? Now I read they were sited together a few hours later. I am hoping for Cubs as a way for her to find protection and acceptance. As to her running away and the hot pursuit that followed, he may have genuinely surprised her and she ran in real fear. But then again, females can be a bit cheeky…..lol.
I truly hope that she can be our hero and have cubs that survive so she can continue the Tsalala pride
Hoping for good news on the Tsalala front!
What a drive that must have been! Here’s hoping it wasn’t a “one night stand” for the pair and that the Tsalala Lioness could produce another litter. There can never be too many cubs!!???
These daily reports from Londolozi are something I look forward to each day. Through them, I vicariously can participate in the daily life of Londolozi. I was happy to see our erstwhile Tracker Ray mentioned. We enjoyed his services together with Ranger Kevin on all of our game drives.
It will be awesome if the Tsalala pride expands again.
Incredible sighting!! Hope that she does mate with them!!
I hope this will bring about the rebirth of the Tsalala Pride!
He is a beautiful young male. Does he have name yet?
Hi Tina, we just differentiate between the males based on their physical appearance, eg the male with the lighter mane. I believe the coalition have been named as individuals but I don’t know what their names are.
regards
Thanks for the replys to all my questions James! I wish I could be there in person to see everything you see. Your pictures make me feel as if I am!
Nick,
Your blog was very interesting to read as lions very much intrigue every time when we think we know them well. It is indeed very difficult to comprehend what is going on in lions world, therefore your detail analysis about the male and female interaction is amazing to say the least. The Birmingham male looks to be in top condition and the result of union between him and the Tsalala female would certainly a thing to look forward. Thanks to londolozi rangers for publishing such lovely blogs time and again.
I was wondering if thete is any news of Mfumo? I saw something about him I would just like to confirm it.
Hi Tina.
Who is Mfumo?
The one Birmingham boy who is missing?
Ah, thank you.
No News on him at the moment…
Thanks for getting back to me James!