It’s been an exciting few days around the reserve but there are few things that excite me more than seeing new cubs for the first time.
Things were starting to warm up and we decided to drive some of the shadier sections along the Sand River where things were slightly cooler. We switched off the vehicle to listen to the morning bird chorus as well as for any alarms. Moments after switching off we heard the deep roar of a lion’s call just starting; the best morning call there is in the bush.
My excitement levels rose as we were in the part of the reserve where the Mhangeni pride have been spending a lot of their time. I had only been told by the other rangers who had seen them about a month ago – the 15th of August to be exact – about the newest additions to the pride and I couldn’t wait to find them.
We managed to navigate our Land Rover over reed ridges and soft sandy patches into the middle dry channel of the Sand River where we thought the calls were coming from. And right in front of us was the pride lying in the sand – with two of the cubs that are just older than 3 months. The overwhelming feeling of excitement that takes over your whole body when you see small cubs is something I will always struggle to convey.
I couldn’t contain my excitement to finally see the newest addition to the Mhangeni pride, and what a way to see all of them lying in such a beautiful scene in the middle of the Sand River. This pride has been spending a lot of their days in and amongst the wild date palm and reedbeds, making it tricky to view them at times.
One of the advantages about photographing animals in the river isn the dips and sandy mounds; if they are by chance in a place where you can utilize the lower angle to photograph your subject it can add huge depth and an eye level shot.
We had heard elephants moving through the river not very far from where the pride was lying and some of the females weren’t feeling too comfortable, so they got up and moved away from where we were. It was seriously soft sand and we were unable to follow them on a direct line, so had to loop around. As a result we couldn’t see where the lions had gone and as we left the river we found them again lying in the shade just next to the road.
The young cub was still fairly nervous, most likely because they had just been chased by elephants, so we approached slowly and parked at a distance at first to allow the cubs to relax.
The cubs quickly came to realise we were no threat to them. Once they had relaxed they were moving back and forth between the females as if we were not even there. An elephant trumpeted in the river which got the attention of the two of them at least.
Like mother, like cub; the cub went to seek some attention from one of the females and moved just under her chin to allow her to almost rest her head on top of the cub’s. Tactile communication between lions is a huge part of social bonding, and it starts from a very young age.
There is a lot of contagious behaviour between lion cubs; when one does something, the other(s) will invariably copy it soon afterwards.
The cubs are not always welcomed when they try and play or move around, as seen in this female’s reaction. It was starting the get really hot and I think this female had had enough of the two cubs pushing past in front of her face.
The Mhangeni pride are part of a lineage that dates back more than two decades.
These two cubs are now just over three months old which means they are going to be spending more time moving around with the pride as opposed to being left behind at a den while the pride moved around. They will still be suckling but will also start being weaned off milk and onto meat but for the meantime they will be subsisting on a combination of both meat and milk.
This pride moves on and off Londolozi so we can’t be guaranteed of regular sightings, but since it looks like a second lioness has given birth, it’s likely that when they are around in future, sightings might even be that much better.
Wonderful to see new Mhangene cubs. I still remember the first cubs they’ve had. Great to see the pride still doing well.
Oh what a wonder those tiny babies are, so defenceless and lovely! A conservation plan is great news. No wonder the lionesses we’re nervous about elephants as they could easily kill the cubs. Who are the males of the pride- are they strong enough to protect their family from rival attacks? Long life to the kings…
The dominant male of the mhangeni pride is the male of othawa, son of the manjigilanes and possibly grandson of the mapogos. He is lonely, so he is in danger if a stronger coalition arrives, however he is a young and very large lion, one of the most beautiful I have seen, I hope he will succeed in his reign. I would like the blog to give more news about him and the males from birmingham.
Aha thank you for the fresh news Adriel! I’ve seen documentaries on Mapogo and Majingilane, surely strong genes and wonderful animals. Also particularly smart if I think of Makulu behaviour and his great success
What a series of wonderful and moving photographs, seeing the interaction of the cubs and lionesses. Very precious. Thank you for sharing on this grey and gloomy autumnal UK day.
Oh this Pride and their Cubs ….sometimes I can’t find the words …. you mentioned that you feel that way sometimes…it is emotional for me …. I used to get the same “in awe” feeling when I looked at my sons when they were little ….or saw them for the very first time and held them in my arms. I feel connected to all Living Things ….emotionally, intellectually, physically when touch is possible….tears come to my eyes ….I am not a crazy “tree hugger but one of my favorite books is “The Secret Life of Trees (if you haven’t read it …do so – your drives in your vehicles all around will have a new impact on you)….I will visit every day….your photography is just wonderful. Thank you …..so much and Blessings.
Fantastic “family” photos. One of the most appreciated photos we have hanging in our home is one of lion cubs–some sleeping and some staring at us.
Adorable! (sorry Guy, I mean the cubs, not you!)
Great pictures. Love the babies… 🙂
These photos are just sooo great! There is nothing lovelier and cuter than lion, leopard and cheetah cubs. I love them all. And how relaxed the females seem to be in the first 2 pictures. Like royalty.
Wow!! I am shaking just reading the story and viewing the great pics. Cannot wait to return to your magnificent lodge and reserve…next year. Thank you for your great post. May these cubs be safe.
How wonderful to capture the affection between mother and cubs. So very lovely and the photos were amazing!!! (as well as the narrative)!!!
Super photos of the Mhangeni newcomer’s 🙏💕thanks so much Guy for sharing them with us !
Guy, I loved all the photos, especially one cubs🤗
It does show the importance of being able to get an eye level shot
Beautiful pics of mum and cubs. Is it just me or does mum look very skinny, looks like her ribs are sticking out? I hope she’s ok!
New members highlight sustainability, conservative progress and most importantly thats great news for the ecosystem.
Thanks Guy! I absolutely love Lion cubs… Finding them when they are tiny enough and still sort of meowing is just perfection, they are so full of antics that it is a dream to watch!
So adorable and how exciting to have so much time with them!! thanks for sharing! Victoria
What an exciting development! Do keep us abreast of their progress!!
eye level shots exhibit awesome photography prowess
Hi Guy, great blog entry and photos! Are the cubs the offspring of one of the older lionesses (one of the three original females) or one of the two younger adult females (offspring of the Majingilanes)? I know the sixth female is the young sub-adult daughter of the Birminghams and not yet sexually mature
Great to see a new adorable generation of Mangheni lions!
As much as I look forward to receiving the Londolozi blog on a daily basis, seeing what’s been captured amidst the day, (each day) is like being able to take a 10 minute vacation – safari venture across the globe. A day in the life of South Africa is such a treat and a shift from everyday life in America. –
Within all the animals captures on film in the bush, I could not agree with you more Guy! See the lionesses and their new cubs truly does bring about a special sense of excitement. – When you’re a Feline lover, the lions always holds a special place in my heart as it is. What comes to mind is, that when you have a (domesticated cat) you love to cuddle them and kiss them on the nose and talk to them.
When you see the lionesses and their cubs lounging about, the first thing I notice is the expressions on their faces. I can’t help but think, “OHHWW, big ol lazy happy kitties!” I just wish I could sit with them and hug them and kiss them on the nose. (Like I would with my kitty)
Of course, the reality becomes, that I realize that you boyz got your pictures most like by that of a telephoto lens, in that you can’t get real up close to them, yet they still allow you to take their pictures. .. And ironically, you were able to get amazing shots showing their true expressions and feelings. Seeing the bond between the mother lioness and her cub is so touching, as it nourishes one’s (human) sense of being. – The human exchange of love is similar to a lioness, yet not. By sight, Human exchange is normal to us. When we don’t share and exchange human affection, we are left deprived. Almost malnourished.
Being able to view the bond between the mama Lioness and her cub infuses a profound sense of affection and love, since many lose connection with what love looks like and feels like. Your pictures, (and all the rangers pictures) are so fulfilling and enriching.
Thank you.
Love hearing about the Mhangeni/Tsalala Breakaway Pride. It is nice to the continuation of the Tsalalas even if they don’t carry the name. Thank you for sharing.
Guy, These images are priceless! We love seeing the cubs too and hope to see more of them!
Love the photos, especially the one with the lioness resting her head on top of the cub’s head! So adorable! Thanks for sharing!