In this week’s virtual game drives, we find ourselves in three sightings of some spectacular sightings with the Mhangeni Pride, the Picadilly Female, and the Plaque Rock Female.
Starting off with a stunning sighting of the Picadilly Female and her cub as they enjoy the spoils of an impala kill directly opposite Tree Camp on the banks of the Sand River.
We then spend an afternoon with the Mhangeni Pride before they set off on the pursuit of a dazzle of zebra. Sadly they have lost another young cub, however, the surviving ones seem fit and healthy, we hope that the mother and pride are able to keep the last two cubs safe going forward.
Ending off with a brief but sensational sighting of the Plaque Rock Female, on the rocks in which she was named, Plaque Rock. Many rangers long for such a sighting.
Enjoy this Week in Video…
This female is most often encountered near the Sand River to the east of the Londolozi camps.
A pretty young playful female found along the river to the east of camp
For the YouTube link click here.
What stunning footage of the Plague rock female on her favorite rock. She certainly is at home there and knows her way around there. I am sure all the Rangers would love to see her there on her rocks. So sad to see that a cub is not there anymore. Hopefully this little one can make it to adulthood. Picadilly female and her cub also gave you beautifully footage of themselves drapping themselves over those branches. Beautiful to see them at home in the trees where they belong. Wonderful video thanks Sean.
It was a magical sighting of the Plaque Rock Female, they all were amazing sightings.
I was unable to get the story to run, but found the u tube link and watched that. you both had great and fun moments. loved the hippo playing in his waterhole. Thank you both! Victoria
Thank you, Victoria. I am glad the YouTube link worked for you.
Cubs are a best view and a hope for the future! So sorry for the lionesses who lose another. I guess it’s more difficult for lions than for hyena to keep cubs alive… are the two leopard females sisters? Lovely view!
It is normally easier for lions to raise cubs, but due to the death of the Ottawa Male, there is no longer the presence of a dominant male to defend them and chase off any young intruders.
Epic big cat video this week Sean. It seemed the Piccadilly female was posing for your benefit, relaxed in your presence. I’m wondering if the new Styx/Nkuhuma coalition, Nwalungu, will try to fill the gap left by the Othawa male. Also thank you for the backstory on the history of Plaque Rock – I had no idea of its significance to Londolozi. Cheers!
Thank you so much, Denise. I am sure the Nwalungu Males will try their luck and when they do they will start calling an scent marking. This will probably attract in some other more dominant males that will push them out.
Yes, there is a loty of history behind Plaque Rock.
Such great sightings of the three leopards, the Piccadilly and her cub so close to Tree Camp and the Plaque Rock, also in the Sand River.
Did the lions lose their cub to other lions or other predators? And was their father the Othawa male? It would be so nice if the remaining cub/s could make it to adulthood as a kind of continuation of their father’s lineage.
Thank you so much, Christa, I believe it was to another two young male lions. The Ottawa Male was the father.
Really enjoyed this video. Good job! Great videography! One question: Is Plaque Rock composed of Bushveld Granite?
Hi Paul, thank you so much. Yes, it is mostly granite.
Sean, thanks for another wonderful video. We love the creative way you stitched in the images of the Picadilly Female. Guess we’ll have to wait to hear if the lions had a successful night with the Zebras… And as you mentioned, seeing the Plaque Rock Female at her namesake spot is as magical as it gets! That’s one of our favorite spots for morning coffee stops!
Fabulous! Sean, you’ve had some big shoes to fill as you said, but keep this level up and we’ll be saying “James who?”
(By the way, what’s he doing now?)
Hi Sean! Great video highlights package and great job as the man in front of the camera! I noticed the lifespan reads unknown on her profile. The Piccadilly Female was born in December 2013, so is approaching her eighth birthday later this year. Her sister/littermate, the Sibuye Female, was seen recently with two young cubs of about two-months old further north in the Sabi Sands. Her profile says that she is found to the east of camp near the Sand River. She and the cub were seen further north on Londolozi’s northern boundary by a Facebook friend staying at Simbambili Game Lodge a number of weeks ago so am curious if the full extent of her territory is known? Thanks so much and thanks again for a great package of highlights!
Hi Sean Has there been any sighting in the past few days July 29 – August 1, 2021, of Tinyo Birmingham male.
Another great video Sean. Thank you – enjoyed it – all cats. Sad about the cub and hope the other survives. Thanks for sharing Sean.
You were able to capture such wonderful sightings of the lions and the leopards. I was sorry to hear that another cub did not make it. Watching your videos helps to really show how tough it is to reach maturity for a lion. And an even tougher life for the males. The leopards gave you great viewing time. They are so beautiful to me. Thanks for sharing the video.
Great video this week!
Spectacular video and shots of the Piccadilly female and cub in that stunning leadwood tree, I’m sure the guests got to enjoy more of them from the tree camp! Tragic to loose a cub but perhaps will benefit the remaining cubs in the long run…..and it seems you find yourself in the right spot at the right time again Sean enjoying a special moment with the Plaque rock female !! Luck is certainly with you +and us) 🙏💕
Plaque Rock looks a bit full-figured here….do we know yet if she is pregnant? She is of the right age! We saw her as a young subadult in August 2019, so I am looking forward to seeing her as a young mama!