Spending time with the two Northern Avoca Males south of the Sand River as they follow the shade under a large torchwood tree, we have a chance at having a closer look at the finer details of a stunning male lion. Knowing they were most likely going to stay in the same spot for the entire day we head back in the afternoon with the hopes of them getting up and moving once the heat of the day has subsided, bumping into a herd of elephants on the way.
Having not seen the Xinzele Female for a fair amount of time she was seen along the Manyelethi River with a nyala kill. To try and replenish her fluids, she ventures off to a nearby waterhole for a drink on an incredibly hot afternoon but is held up by a herd of elephants who are thoroughly enjoying the water and mud ahead of the leopardess.
Enjoy this Week in Video…
A small female often found in NW Marthly. Similar spot pattern to her mother the Ingrid Dam Female.
To view the YouTube link, click here.
Sean the close up footage of the male lion is absolutely stunning. So much detail and markings on his face shows his been through some scurmishes. I once printed a male lion in the Dark room, sepia colour and the size was huge. Once I had printed it ,I put it up so that the fan can dry it. My colleges said it looked absolutely stunning. Beautiful fotos of the elephants, loved the little ones. So sad to hear that the Xinzele female has lost her cub, and it was such a cute cub. Sean I see the one lion is limping, will it heal by it self.
The markings and scars on his face tell the story behind this male and what he has been through to get to where he is today. I am not too sure if the injury will heal, he has had it for quite some time now os probably not but we will have to wait and see.
Love the ellies, love Xinzele, love the Avoca males – especially those close-ups. 1 week and counting now…..Sean, can you do me a favour and arrange for a few of the leopards to be by the airstrip when I fly in to say hello (though somehow I feel they’ve not missed me as much as I’ve missed them!)
Hi Suzanne, I will see what I can do, might have to pull a few strings.
What wonderful footage this week Sean, thank you so much! I loved the interaction between the two brothers and am so glad they have each other, especially when one is injured.
There is definitely strength in numbers for male lions and so I am sure that they will try to stick together, especially with the one being injured.
So many young elefants, and it is amazing to see the both lion brothers in social contact.
It was a great drive thanks, Jutta.
What a pity that the Xinzele female lost her cub.
It was a very good idea of you to show the details of the lions sp close up. Nice!
Do you think the injury of one of the brothers might heal? He has obviously had it for quite a long time now.
It is such a pity, but at least she is a young female and will hopefully have many more cubs in the future that we will be able to view.
Thank you, Christa. I love having a close look at lions through binoculars so I thought it would be great to share the details with you.
I am not too sure if he will heal, he seems to have been limping for quite some time now. I wonder if the injury is in his foot or elbow?
Sean, We are amazed at the quality of the videos you are getting. They look amazing on the big screen! Beautiful footage of the Zenzele female and sad news about her cub… The close-ups of the male lion are incredible the eyes are piercing! Thanks again for making our Sunday special!
Thanks, Michael and Terri. It is such sad news about the Xinzele Female’s cub, but at least she is a young female and hopefully will have many more litters of cubs in the future.
The intensity in a male lions eyes so powerful.
Curiously I had the video with the hippo performing and the very interesting explanation of wasps and figs with elephants and pigeons…than I suddenly saw the Xinzele female with her cub and the gorgeous lions. I hope the one limping will recover… it’s always a joy to see the cub growing and such spectacular animals relaxing and interacting with each other! I know they are lethal beasts but they seem to smile under their mane…
I am so glad that you loved all the videos, Francesca.
A nice quiet drive Sean with flat cats and ellies – love the leopard, she is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
It was indeed, and great to have a closer look at the lions.
I’m saddened to learn that Xinzele female has lost her cub, and especially if it was due to a male leopard. But she is young and will have other cubs. I saw an image of Hosana with the Nkuwa female recently, so fingers crossed!
The Avoca males are looking impressive, except for the one with the leg injury. However, it seems injured animals seem to heal rather quickly without the aid of vets and medications, thanks to their own and nature’s healing powers. I wish we could do the same..I won’t be able to respond to the daily blogs for a bit as I’m having my right shoulder replaced on Tuesday. With physical therapy and a positive attitude, I hope to photograph again by February and travel by summer. That’s my goal! Looking forward to next week’s video safari Sean.
Hi Denise, it is very sad that she has lost her cub but I guess it is the way of the wild and sadly these things happen.
I do agree the Avoca Males are looking impressive. I have a feeling that things are about to get interesting within the male lion dynamics.
All the best for the surgery, I hope it goes well and we can hear from you soon.
So sad to hear the Xinzele female lost her lovely cub, I had sô enjoyed their wonderful playful morning before the hyena came in and she’s chased it off. She does seem rather skittish now, or was it just all about the Eli’s presence.
Wonderful close up footage of the Avoca males.🙏🏻❤️Thanks Sean !
It is indeed so sad that she has lost her cub. I think her behaviour was because of the elephants.
Glad you enjoyed the lions up close.
Love the lion details and their interactions after waking up. That elephant tail holding was pretty cute!
So so sad that Xinzele lost her cubbie…..
It is really sad. Thankfully she is a young mother and able to hopefully have some more litters of cubs in the near future.