It is just days since we discovered the den in which the Makomsava female was hiding her cubs. The view was tricky, to say the least. If the mother was there, you may see the tops of her ears if you’re lucky. This did not keep us from going back to check on the den.
The only surviving cub of the Nanga female, currently territorial north of Marthly.
The potential thrill of seeing young leopard cubs kept our hopes up. We also knew that since they were very young, the mother would need to nurse the cubs on a daily basis, giving us a great starting point from which to find a leopard!
Spotting a leopard lying behind a rock on a boulder-strewn outcrop (or ‘koppie’ as they are known) is no easy feat.
Upon arrival at the den on this particular day, the scene looked like any other. The rocks looked quiet, the baboons were playing in the river behind and the birds chirped away as usual. Little did we know what we were about to witness.
Baboons in the massive trees less than 200 metres from the den pose a huge threat to the cubs if they were to be discovered.
Another vehicle was waiting at the base of the koppie ahead of us. We rolled up next to them, expecting the normal morning pleasantries. Our hearts skipped a beat when we heard the news: the mother had just carried one cub down the hill and into another rocky outcrop nearby. Knowing that there was a second cub left in the den, our excitement levels sky-rocketed. Was she about to return to fetch the second one?
The Makomsava female sneaks up the rocky outcrop towards her den.
The calls of baboons playing in the trees below us echoed between the boulders.
We knew that if the leopard was returning, she would have to avoid being seen by them. Baboons have killed leopards in the past, and a leopard cub would be at huge risk. It took a good 30 minutes before a glimpse of movement caught our eye on the hillside. It was the mother. She had come for the second cub!
She darted across the open patches of ground to try and avoid being seen by the baboons as she headed for her den. The less attention on her while she moves her cub the better.
We sat speechless as we watched her emerge from the shadows of the den with a tiny cub dangling from her mouth. She stepped carefully down the koppie and set a straight line towards where she had left the first cub hidden. There was one gap she needed to cross, so we set ourselves up for that view…
An unforgettable moment.
Seeing a leopard carrying a cub is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The whole sighting lasted less than five minutes, but the excitement that it generated within us is indescribable.
Interestingly, the Makomsava female’s mother – the Nanga female – raised several litters of cubs within metres of the den that is now being used. It is extremely well hidden, thus the cubs should be safe from threats such as lion or hyena. This does also mean that it is very difficult for us to see anything of them at all. However, we’ve certainly seen more than enough for now…
Wow! Amazing sighting.
Oh my goodness Peter – what photos. Well done to all of you to find the female and see the cubs! Thank you for sharing …
What great news. Lucky you!
Pete, loved the video🤗! Loved the cub leopards mouth!
Can still recall how incredible it was viewing a cub dangling from it’s mom’s mouth. The balance of power and tenderness was incredible to watch.
Wow! Absolutely stunning sighting! I have seen a lioness carrying her cub once and I remember the thrill of that! So exciting! Thanks for sharing!
Pete, How exciting to see Makomsava with her cub! Was she at Ximpalapala?
Wow what an experience to have!
What luck ! What excitement to see that the Makomsava female has not one but two cubs …and not far from her own ‘birth place’ ! Great news and a great 5 minute close up capture. Thanks Pete and team 🙏💕
Wonderful
What a magical experience and such a rarity! Felt like I was right there with you. Excellent narrative as well. Thanks so much for cheering up another gloomy day sheltering in place with local fires in addition to the virus. These blogs are priceless. Stay well and safe.
So wonderful to see her with her tiny little spotty one!
What an amazing experience! I’m so jealous, lucky you!
OMG! I’m so excited for Makomsava to have two cubs and for you as well to spot her moving the second one to another den. Loved the video and stills- who wouldn’t?!
Pure gold – what an experience for you! Fingers crossed for her and the cubs.
INCREDIBLE!!!! Thank you for sharing this momentous experience with us Pete!!
Thank you for sharing this. How wonderful to see such very young cubs. Hamba kahle.
SUPERB!!
That’s amazing, so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing.
Truly magical 🙂 looking forward to watching them grow up
Wow what an amazing sighting