Although the tragic news of the death of the older Tsalala Lioness shook Londolozi once again, it is an opportunity to reflect on how special and close to Londolozi the Tsalala Pride has been over the last 23 years. Through watching, documenting and sharing the stories of this incredible pride it is hard for one to not become attached. Each day we head out into the bush, we have an intimate relationship with all that is going on but need to come to the understanding that new chapters are being lived all the time. Mother nature writing their storylines with creativity beyond our wildest dreams. We couldn’t script them even if we tried. Many of these stories are still ongoing and will actually never end.
It may not all be doom and gloom for the remaining Tsalala Lioness, who is approaching three years old in March 2022. As we have seen many times in the past with her direct bloodline that we can never count the Tsalala Pride down and out. Their resilience and ability to defy all the odds baffles us every time we assume that there is no hope.
Thankfully, through the hard work and toils of many guides and trackers that have come before us, especially alumni guide Adam Bannister, we have a great record of information on the Tsalala Pride, from which a lot of the facts and dates in this blog come from. I will try to summarise Adam’s work and passion for the Tsalala Pride into a digestible piece in honour of the Tsalala Female and for everyone to understand just how loved this pride has been over the years.
After spending five hours tracking the Tsalala pride we were rewarded with the ultimate prize – seeing a live kill. The lioness cleans her cub after feeding.
The Very Beginning
The Tsalala Pride was formed by two females who broke away from the Castleton Pride in 1998, believed to be pregnant at the time from mating with the West Street Males, they then gave birth and denned these seven cubs in the Sand River near Taylor’s Crossing. Initially known as the Two and Seven Pride, because of the two adults and seven cubs. This small breakaway pride then spent less and less time with their natal pride before moving further east into the western parts of Londolozi. This shift east resulted in a clash with the Sparta Pride in which three cubs were killed, from then on the Pride was known as the Two and Four Pride.
Hyenas killed one of the remaining female cubs and one of the young males had his back broken when he got too close to the action on a buffalo kill at Maidies Dam. He never gave up, and every day he dragged his back legs along as he tried to follow the pride. After a month of tirelessly slogging across the reserve, he finally succumbed. It was this kind of bravery and resilience that would become the hallmark of the Tsalala Pride.
One and Two
Soon thereafter, one of the two adult lionesses was kicked in the head by a zebra stallion and later died of her injuries. The Two and Seven had now been reduced down to One and Two. It was decided that this pride needed a name. Having spent a lot of time in an area surrounding a waterhole known as Tsalala Pan, Tsalala being the Shangaan name for a Bushveld Gardenia tree, prominent in that area.
The remaining lone lioness and her two cubs, one of each gender, then moved further north out of Londolozi. Sadly the male was then found having been poached and had his life cut unnecessarily short. Reducing the pride down to two females, mother and daughter. By December 2002, the mother was old and slow and was killed by hyenas in front of Tree Camp. Leaving one lioness, the only survivor of the Two and Seven.
Just One
Now sexually mature she mated with the Marthly Males, giving birth to two female cubs on Ximpalapala Koppie that same December 2002. Often a mother’s first attempt at motherhood will be a disaster, however, this was not the case and these two females (Tsalala Sisters) became integral in boosting the numbers of the tiny pride.
The Original Tailless before she lost her tail, circa 2004 BW.
Tailless
Tsalala Pride n=7: Mother, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 2x female cubs (2005), 2x male cubs (2005)
In 2005, the mother had managed to kill a zebra, the Tsalala Sisters, (three years old) were present along with the mothers most recent litter of four, two males and two females and about six months old at the time. The pride of seven spent the day feeding and that night changed the lioness’s life forever.
Finding the mother in a pool of her own blood, badly mauled on her hindquarters, barely alive. A hyena had managed to inflict a serious injury to her tail, biting out a chunk of the base. Although surviving the incident, an infection could be a killer.
In an attempt to clean the injury herself, it is believed that she actually chewed off the remains of her tail in order to halt the infection. A brutally gruesome thought yet one which proved vital, helping her in a sheer fight for not only her survival but that of all of her cubs. Her body was being pushed to its extremes, she somehow managed to survive. And the story of the Tsalala Pride gained even more traction, touching many peoples hearts with her bravery and teaching us the true strength and resilience of Mother Nature. She was now known as the Tailless Female.
The Tsalala Sisters, the Tailed and Tailless female.
Tsalala Sisters
Tsalala Pride n=10: Tailless Female, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 1x male cub(2005), 6x cubs (2006)
Through her struggles, the two younger female cubs sadly did not survive. One young male was killed by the Shaw’s Males, leaving the Tailless Female with just one young male cub and the two Tsalala Sisters. From birth these two sisters were inseparable. In April 2006, at the young age of three and a half, the sisters gave birth to their first litters totalling six cubs, fathered by the Rocky Male, within the same boulders in which they themselves were born, Ximpalapala Koppie.
Arrival of the Mapogo Males
Tsalala Pride n=4 : Tailless Female, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 1x male cub(2005), 1x female cub (2006) assumed dead but wasn’t
Early 2007, the Mapogo Male Coalition of six began their pursuit of the Tsalala Pride, after having already caused a stir throughout much of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. They then caught, killed and ate the dominant Rocky Male. This is very unusual behaviour and possibly was interpreted as an extreme form of dominance and intimidation.
With their Father no longer, these cubs stood very little chance, and it was only a matter of time before the Mapogo Males killed all but two. One female disappeared and was assumed to be dead, but ultimately ended up joining the Castleton Pride of four, known as Queen. Unbeknown to her they were distant relatives. For five years, Londolozi were unaware of this change in pride until late 2011, and it was her reddish coloured eyes that one could trace her lineage back to the Tsalala Pride. At three years old the other surviving sub-adult male, having already survived the hyena attack resulting in his mother losing her tail, had the choice to either stay or flee and flee he did.
Tsalala Sister with Kinky-tail Mapogo Male in background
Tsalala Sisters Mate with Mapogo Males
Tsalala Pride n= 11: Tailless, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 2x female cubs (2008), 2x male cubs (2008), 4x female cubs (2009),
Early 2008, the Tailless Female separated herself away from the pride to birth four new cubs, two male and two female. In the meanwhile, the Tsalala Sisters mated with the Mapogo Males and gave birth to two female cubs each in 2009. Boosting the Tsalala Pride to eleven individuals, three adults and eight cubs (six females and two males from all three mothers). The Tsalala Pride was thriving and the two Mapogo Males (Kinky-tail and Satan) were responsible for this. Having fragmented into two sub coalitions, the Mapogo Males had split to defend different regions, possibly their downfall?
The Majingilane coalition in their prime on Londolozi. These four males took over from the famous Mapogo’s.
Majingilane Males Arrive
Tsalala Pride n=2 : Tailless, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 2x female cubs (2008), 2x male cubs (2008), 4x female cubs (2009)
June 2010, the five Majingilane Males began to assert their dominance over the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, getting into an altercation with two Mapogo Males: Kinky-tail and Satan. The Mapogo Males escaped and managed to isolate one of the five Majingilane Males, and in the end, brought him down with a spine-breaking bite. The surviving Majingilane Males then retaliated and pinned down Kinky-tail, while Satan tried helplessly to defend him. Satan then fled, running throughout the night calling to his remaining brothers, that a real threat had arrived. Having not seen his blood brothers for about two years, they recognised his call and the need to forget previous disagreements that may have resulted in them splitting. Their bloodline was in trouble. The five Mapogo Males reunited and set off in response to the threat.
Both Coalitions would call throughout the night, a battle of immense proportions was about to go down. Would it be age and experience or youth that would win this fight? Whilst the rangers of Londolozi gripped by the potential show-down, would constantly hear the roar of the lions echo throughout the reserve. All the excitement ended in what felt like a letdown as what would have been the ultimate battle between two coalitions never materialized. The Mapogo Males retreated to the western regions of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Majigilane Males laid claim to the throne of Londolozi and the Tailless Female and her Tsalala Pride.
The week started with a very interesting sighting of the Tsalala Pride
Tsalala Sisters Embrace Majingilane Males
Tsalala Pride n=7: Tailless, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 2x sub-adults(2008), 4x female sub-adults (2009)
However, the Pride’s youngsters were now at risk. The Majingilane Males were quick to kill two youngsters, leaving the Tailless Female, the Tsalala Sisters and six sub-adults. The Tsalala Sisters decided to embrace the Majingilane Males and began mating with each individual male in the coalition, and were forced to abandon their pride.
Tailless Female’s Tough Decision
Tsalala Pride n=2: 2x Tsalala Sisters
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=5: Tailless, 4x female sub-adults (2009)
With her daughter’s siding with the new males, the Tailless Female had to make the decision to either join her daughters and mate with the Majingilane Males or not? Should she abandon the youngsters too?
After roaming around like a ghost with the six youngsters for a couple of weeks, the trackers could see signs of where the “Break-away” pride had met up with the Tsalala Sisters briefly before going their separate ways. Avoiding the males became trickier, with two more sub-adults being killed, leaving the Tailless Female and four sub-adults lionesses. The Matriarch of the pride and now the guardian of the four young lionesses decided enough was enough. Having intimately watched her pride grow and now be slaughtered, she took it upon herself to seek better pastures for them, leaving behind all that they knew, the land they called home. Leaving behind their mothers.
Tsalala Cubs on Granite Rock by John Holley
Tsalala Sisters and Majingilane Males
Tsalala Pride n=10: 2x Tsalala Sisters, 3x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x male cub (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011), 3x male cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=5: Tailless, 4x female sub-adults (2009)
The first litter of the one Tsalala Sister failed, probably killed by the Majingilane Males. But the second female’s litter of three females and one male survived, born in early February 2011. The first female then fell pregnant again and gave birth on the 29th May 2011 to three males and one female. The two lionesses and their eight cubs thrived, given the hardships of a small pride.
“Trying to raises two litters in a minefield” Adam Bannister.
The Return of Tailless
Tsalala Pride n=10: 2x Tsalala Sisters, 3x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x male cub (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011), 1x male cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=5: Tailless, 4x female sub-adults (2009)
After having been away from Londolozi for about a year, the Tailless Female and the four Sub-adult Females made a brief return, although sporting a few cuts and grazes, no one was sure of why they had returned. They were then seen more and more often. Although risking bumping into the Majingilane Males, there may have been a lot of other pressure in the north pushing them back down onto Londolozi. Hopes were high that the two portions of the Tsalala Pride could reunite. In October 2011, they did, the Tailless Female nuzzled her daughters, the Tsalala Sisters with affection, and before we knew it a sub-adult emerged from the bushes. Tensions were high to see how the reunion between the mothers and daughter would be.
The Tsalala Sisters saw the young lioness and immediately ran at her. The Tailless Female intercepted them and lay on top of the young lioness protecting her. Protecting a daughter from her own mother. The reunion didn’t go the way everyone had hoped.
A month later the Tailless Female moved back to her natal area and joined the Tsalala Sisters, leaving the four lionesses roaming around, unguided. Although, she would not always be with the Tsalala Pride. Maybe these young lionesses may bring unwanted attention from the dominant males. All the while in the Tsalala Pride, two male cubs from the May 2011 litter were killed while hunting buffalo.
History Repeats Itself
Tsalala Pride n=9: Tailless, 2x Tsalala Sisters, 3x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x male cub (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011), 1x male cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=4: 4x female sub-adults (2009)
On the evening of the 1st of November 2011 the Tsalala Sisters successfully killed a zebra, the Tailless Female was not with them at the time as she was off mating with the Majingilane Males. The following morning they were nowhere to be seen. Following the tracks, for a while, they were eventually found in the Sand River. Sadly, one of the cubs was missing and one of the Sisters was brutally wounded. Her tail had been bitten and ripped off.
“It is ironic that a very similar incident occurred some six years ago involving her mother; a clan of hyena, a zebra carcass and a litter of lion cubs”
The pride was in tatters, nobody knew exactly what went down. It was through the process of elimination that the encounter was put down to a severe lion-hyena encounter. The hope was for the pride to rally around the Tsalala Sister, to help her deteriorating condition. The Pride failed on their hunting attempts and were all unrecognisably thin. The cubs were struggling and with no sign of the fourth one anywhere.
A remarkable turn of events as the Original Tailless Female tracked down her wounded family, nose to the ground and determined.
“Now, I am aware that this action may have been due to her determination for the continuation of her genetic line, but my human nature explains these events as a loving and supporting mother coming to the aid of her daughter” Adam Bannister.
With the injection of energy from the Original Tailless Female, they managed to kill a buffalo cow, which was believed to be one of the most important kills of this pride’s life. The large meal replenished the whole pride.
The survivor, at five months old this cub survived being alone in the wilderness for 10 days.
Lost is Found
Tsalala Pride n=9: Original Tailless, New Tailless, Tailed, 3x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x male cub (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011), 1x male cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=4: 4x female sub-adults (2009)
By about day six or seven after the altercation with the hyenas, the missing cub had still not been seen and was now assumed dead. Until ten days after the incident, the missing cub was found, drinking from a pan near Weaver’s Nest Road in the south. Defying the odds and at five months old he managed to survive for ten days alone. It wasn’t plain sailing from here though, Londolozi was rife with predators and the cub remained alone.
Another curveball was thrown when an older cub, around ten months old was also separated from the pride. It was in this older cubs search for the pride that he stumbled across the younger missing cub. Together they managed to find the rest of the pride in a day. The emotions amongst the pride must have been high having been out in the wilderness all alone for five weeks, but sadly no one was there to witness the reunion.
The Dark Mane Majingilane Male
Tragedy Strikes
Tsalala Pride n=8: Original Tailless, New Tailless, Tailed, 3x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x male cub (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=4: 4x female sub-adults (2009)
26th December 2011, the Majingilane Males hear a response to their roar off to the east. Immediately to their feet, they charge in that direction. As they arrive into a clearing, the entire Tsalala Pride was seen bounding off through the grass towards the Sand River. The chase was on.
“The initial impact could be heard from miles away. Scar-Nose Male was still lying on top of the cub. Lying on top of the brave lion cub that had survived five weeks alone in the bush. The cub was dead”
Not sure of why this happened, but it sent ripples through the Londolozi community.
The Sand River in flood after heavy rains upstream.
And Strikes Again!
Tsalala Pride n=5: New Tailless, Tailed, 2x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=4: 4x female sub-adults (2009)
Torrential downpours in mid-January 2012, deliver more than half the annual rainfall (12.5inches) in a mere 48 hours. Before we knew it, the gentle flowing Sand River erupted, bursting its banks and wreaking havoc in its path. The river had come down in full flood, rising to the highest level in over one hundred years and nothing could stop the sheer power.
Sadly, the Tsalala Pride also lost control during the flood, the rising water levels became a massive barrier, separating the north from the south. The evening before the Tsalala Sisters, without the Tailless Female, had successfully caught a wildebeest south of the river, while we believed that the cubs were north of the river. When the torrential rains eventually subsided only five lions were found. The Two Sisters called throughout the night but it was clear that somehow they had lost two youngsters of the February 2011 litter. Anything could have happened but it was very likely that it was the waters that claimed the lives of these two, one male and female. Having survived the marauding hyenas, stealthy leopards and the onslaught of the rampant male lions, only to be washed away by the river that played such a pivotal role in their development.
The Mhangeni Pride
Tsalala Pride n=5: New Tailless, Tailed, 2x female cubs (Feb 2011), 1x female cub (May 2011)
Tsalala Breakaway Pride n=5: Original Tailless, 4x female sub-adults (2009)
In the meanwhile, news came in that the Original Tailless Female had been found north of the Londolozi boundary with the Tsalala Breakaway four Sub-adults. She had survived another flood. Shortly thereafter, the four sub-adults lose their connection with the Original Tailless Female who had now rejoined the Tsalala Pride and formed a pride of their own that we still see thriving today, the Mhangeni Pride. Meaning Aloe, as one female was denning some cubs there.
Continued losses
Tsalala Pride n=4: Tailless, New Tailless, Tailed, 1x female cub ( Feb 2011)
Two of the cubs from 2011 sadly disappeared before May 2012 leaving one lone female from the February 2011 litter, who was constantly chased by the Majingilane Males. Both Tsalala Sisters gave birth and lost more cubs soon after. In August 2012, the Original Tailless Female, at the age of 14 gave birth to her 12th cub.
The End of An Era
Tsalala Pride n=3: New Tailless, Tailed, 1x female cub (2011)
In 2013 at the age of 15, now old and struggling to keep up with her daughters the Original Tailless Female was battling to survive. In the hopes of cashing in on a larger meal, she stumbled upon the Mhagheni Pride feeding on a zebra carcass. Roughly a year after their paths had split, the Mhangeni Pride were now raising a litter of their own cubs. The Original Tailless Female desperately tried to feed on the carcass but with too many mouths to feed and the chaos over around a carcass, she was mauled by the females. Her remains were then found at Marthly Pools the next day; a place where the Tsalala Pride was often seen.
The 2013 Litter of the Tsalala Pride
Tsalala Pride n=3: New Tailless, Tailed, 1x female sub-adult (2011), 1x female cub (2014), 3x male cubs (2014)
With the Majingilane still firmly in control over Londolozi, the Tailed Female gives birth to another four cubs in 2013, one female and three males. This is the Female who was sadly killed on the 20th of November. Joining her mother, aunt and older sister she stays with the pride while her brothers embark on a nomadic journey into the Kruger National Park.
The Female from the 2011 litter gets accepted by the Majingilane Males as she becomes sexually mature, ironically they are her fathers.
Matimba Males Arrive
Tsalala Pride n=7: Tailed, 1x female (2011), 2x female cubs (March 2016), 3x female cubs (June 2016)
Tsalala Breakaway n=5: New Tailless, 1x female cub (2014), 3x male cubs (2014)
Towards the end of 2015, the Matimba Males arrived and began to pose a threat to the four cubs of the Tsalala Pride, fathered by the Majingilane Males, causing the pride to split in September. In another amazingly ironic turn of events, the Tailless Female takes her sister’s four cubs further north to protect them. Just how her mother had done to her very own cubs all those years ago.
The two remaining lionesses in the Tsalala Pride, Tailed Female and 2011 Female, having mated with the Matimba Males, gives birth to two female cubs in March 2016 and three female cubs in June 2016, respectively. With this being the 2011 Female’s very first litter.
Tailless dens on Ximpalapala
Tsalala Pride n=7: Tailed, 1x female (2011), 2x female cubs (March 2016), 3x female cubs (June 2016)
Tsalala Breakaway n=4: New Tailless, 1x female (2014), 2 cubs (2017)
In March 2017, Tailless gives birth to three cubs on Ximpalapala Koppie, the same place where she was kept as a cub in 2002. Sadly one cub died while pretty young. Challenging circumstances with the three boisterous young males throwing their weight around and Tailless now beginning to age.
In August the Tsalala Breakaway killed a waterbuck and spent the evening feeding on the carcass. The following morning, the entire Tsalala Pride were seen feeding on the carcass. Shortly after that the three Tsalala Young Males (2014) disperse to the Kruger National Park, where sadly they were electrocuted while feeding on a giraffe carcass that was touching the powerlines.
Tsalala in Tatters Again
Tsalala Pride n=1: Tailed
Tsalala Breakaway n=2: New Tailless, 1x female (2014)
A little while later and we are unsure of the exact details of what ensued, we heard that the Tsalala Pride and the Tsalala Breakaway Pride were all seen in the Sand River a few hundred meters apart. We believe there was an altercation with some males and the following few days we came to realise that once again the Tsalala Pride was in tatters. The 2011 Female had gone missing, a number of cubs were unaccounted for. The Tailed Female abandoned the surviving youngsters to rejoin the Tailless female in the Tsalala Breakaway Pride. Occasionally they were seen together with the remaining youngsters but sadly in the end the cubs never made it.
End of The Tailed Female
Tsalala Pride n=2: New Tailless, 1x female (2014)
Early in 2018, a young elephant had been found dead very near to Ximpalapala Koppie, where the Tsalala Pride spent time feeding. Now at the age of 15, the Tailed Female condition was deteriorating building up to this. She was slow to move around and as the pride moved on after feeding, the Tailed Female remained behind and sadly never made it through the night. Her final resting place was a stone’s throw away from where she had been born all those years earlier.
Tailless Female Follows
Tsalala Pride n=1: 1x female (2014)
Now with the Tsalala Pride, reduced down to two, and the Tailless Female also showing clear signs of ageing, has a run-in with the Ntsevu Pride (the daughters of the Mhangeni Pride, essentially her granddaughters). This altercation left her with a number of injuries from which she was unable to recover from and sadly but perhaps poetically she dies within meters of where her mother had died at Marthly Pools, under a Bushveld Gardenia from where they get their name ‘Tsalala’.
Against the Odds
Tsalala Pride n=2: 1x female (2014), 1x female cub (2019)
The young lioness left all by herself, yet to have fallen pregnant or raised any cubs had the odds heavily stacked against her. With immense pressure from the Ntsevu Pride, Nkuhuma Pride and Mhangeni Pride she was forced to adapt to a leopard-like lifestyle. Spending most of her time in the thicker, riverine vegetation of the Sand River, moving and hunting during the day, similar to her grandmother. As the Birmingham Males arrived, they immediately chased her away, but within hours she was seen mating with them. In March 2019, she gives birth to her very first litter of three, one male and two females, denning them in the boulders on Southern Cross Koppies.
In the early hours of July 2019, Rangers hear the death bellows of a buffalo coming from the Sand River, in front of Varty Camp. They then find the Tsalala lioness, having caught and killed a large male buffalo all by herself. A truly colossal battle that must have been. Normally, it takes a pride of six lionesses about 45 minutes to an hour to kill a buffalo. She did it by herself! Collecting her three cubs, the four of them feed on this enormous meal for days. A Birmingham Male joined them on the second evening adding extra safety against hyenas, keeping the tiny pride safe.
A month later, two of the cubs were killed by a leopard, leaving the first time mother with one last daughter. The two were elusive, moving around like ghosts, slinking in between the surrounding prides. The mother had made a name for herself, with the mounting pressure of providing for her daughter, she was fearless in her hunts and focused on the larger prey such as wildebeest, nyala, kudu and waterbuck.
Our hearts were in our mouths on a cool morning in May 2020. The echoing roars and growling of lions in a serious fight could be heard across the reserve. The Ntsevu Pride had cornered the Tsalala Female on the banks of the Sand River. Her cub was nowhere to be seen. Twenty-something lions, including a Birmingham Male, against one. Yet somehow, in a miraculous turn of fate, she escaped. Battered and bruised but alive. She lurked around camp for a few days, allowing her wounds to heal, but the cub was still missing. Eventually, the two are seen together briefly before they disappeared.
In the hopes of escaping the crucible of lions on Londolozi, they moved further west. Without seeing the Tsalala Pride for months they eventually returned. A few brief moments were shared with them before they would move on again, in what felt like them just checking in to see how things were on Londolozi, before disappearing for a few more weeks. The mother was then seen mating with the Tumbela Males in the western Sabi Sands in August 2021.
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The Last Hope
Tsalala Pride n=1: 1x female cub (2019)
Having seen the Tsalala Pride of two for the last time, as they lay on the stunning boulders in the Sand River, the thought never crossed my mind that the next time would be filled with so much emotion. Sensing the pressure from the lions around Londolozi, they probably realised that there was a greater chance of re-establishing themselves as a pride in the western parts of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where there was less pressure from other lions.
On the morning of the 20th November 2021, we heard the tragic news that a lioness was found dead in the Sand River in the western parts of the Sabi Sand. As we heard that news we had managed to find the younger female also in the Sand River directly in front of Granite Camp. Very evidently distressed and constantly contact calling, searching for her mother. Once again we are unsure as to the exact details of what happened, but it appeared as though she was killed by other male lions, as there were bite marks around her neck. It is the sad reality of mother nature that we never really know what to expect and the more we know the more we are surprised by the animals’ behaviour.
The real heartbreaker was that the mother was pregnant and very nearly about to give birth. The possibilities of re-establishing the numbers within the Tsalala Pride were right at her fingertips. Maybe the missions back to Londolozi were to scout out potential den sites, investigate the current male dynamics and whether it was safe enough for her to raise another litter of cubs here. After all, she knew this reserve intimately.
The silver lining is that the younger female is still thriving. Two days after the loss of her mother she had killed a waterbuck and got a good feed. Soon she will reach sexual maturity and with a stroke of luck will be able to raise a litter of cubs to independence and boost the pride’s numbers. It is not going to be an easy time for her, but as we have seen through the 23 years of resilience, determination and the die-hard will to survive of the Tsalala Pride that runs through her genes, we won’t count her out just yet.
The Grit of the Tsalala Females
Throughout the time of viewing the Tsalala Pride, a few things become quite pertinent to us as humans. The bravery and intense desire to survive runs thick and strong through their bloodline. Each generation has been through immense hardships, where no matter at what cost they somehow find their way through it. Life has a tendency to throw you curveballs and I am a firm believer that we are not given what we cannot handle. The Tsalala Female that lost her life was a proud icon of Londolozi in how she dealt with all that she was given, and through a tough time managed to still raise one cubs successfully as a single mother and lone female in her pride.
This Young Female has a bloodline that holds so much tenacity, drive and willingness to defy the odds, that although she will have to accept the challenges of raising a litter of cubs all by herself if she follows in her mother’s footsteps she will hold the name of the Tsalala Pride in all its glory. We can’t wait to see how this all unfolds and how the young female handles the pressure going forward.
Note: the information and details in this post are based on our records and stories from those around at the time, however, we are aware that there may be some discrepancies within the stories. If you have any further information please let us know.
I was heartbroken when I heard the mother Tsalala died last month. I so hope that the daughter will manage to keep going and raise cubs by herself. Interesting to know that the Mhangeni and Ntsevu prides are related to her. But still, they are not Tsalala’s……….
We were all heartbroken, it was such tragic news. I hope the young female will be able to re-establish the Tsalala Pride.
The story of the Tsalala lionesses is truly a very moving one. I have always admired their tenacity and stamina against all the odds of their respective fates.
Thanks, Sean, for summarizing and telling the stories of their amazing lives. I remember seeing the two tailless lionesses together in 2013. Since then I have been fascinated by their story.
Thank you so much, Christa. It is such an amazing story, so I felt we needed to put it all down in one place and share it with everyone.
Thank you for this informative blog about the Tsalala Pride. Having visited Londolozi in 2016 and 2018 we were fascinated with the stories of the tailless lioness and her pride. One of our most prized photos is of the tailless lioness. We missed our 2020 trip because of the pandemic but feel connected because of the blog. Thank you!! We look forward to when we can visit again. Deb and Frank Kohlenstein
Thank you, Deb. They are an amazing Pride of lions and the story is very moving. Hopefully, the young female will be around and maybe with cubs by the next time you visit, fingers crossed.
An amazing story of love, bravery, and misfortune. The Tsalala pride were/are true survivors. I’m inspired by their resilience and their sheer will to survive. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Even more so now that I know more about their struggles and triumphs.
My heart is broken following the death of the recent Tsalala female who I grew to love, but I have enough heart left to wish every good fortune to her daughter. I hope the spirit and tenacity of her ancestors will be with her as she undertakes her own journey.
Thank you for honouring this inspiring pride.
Thank you so much, Lisa. It is an amazing story and we all hold the Tsalala Pride very close to our hearts. Let’s hope that the young female manages to make it through.
Such a beautiful heartfelt tribute. I had been trying to find out the history through past posts-so thank you! Seeing that this beautiful young female is about the same age as when her mother lost her family, I have more hope. Our hearts are with her.
Thank you so much, Johanna. It is such an incredible story so I felt it only necessary to put it all down in one place to share with everyone.
Wow! Don’t know where to begin! Sean, a remarlablee chronology that answers so many unanswered questions we’ve had. We “entered” the story in 2013 and have seen much of what you discussed since then. I actually believe we have a photo of The Original Tailless Female, although we were totally unaware and naive about the whole lion lineage story at that time. Thanks for filling some of the blanks!
Thank you so much, Vin. I am so glad I could answer so many of the questions and keep a record of all the stories. It is amazing to be part of this fascinating story.
This story of the genealogy of the lions of Londolozi is remarkable. Thanks to you Sean and all the Londolozi staff for preserving the history.
Thank you so much, William. It is a great collection of information and all the stories. I am glad I am able to share it with everyone.
Sean. Thank you for an informative and very emotional timeline of this gritty and courageous pride. The Divine in me, bows to the Divine in you! Namaste and God Speed Tsalala female.
Thank you so much, Camille.
A breathtaking, incredible saga. Thank you for a wondrous recounting of an amazing journey.
Thank you so much, Willa. The story itself makes telling it so easy.
Fabulous story Sean! I have some conflicting info re: March 2016 litter. I will send through details with photo by email.
Great, thanks so much, Al. I look forward to your email. Thank you.
Hi Sean, the Tsalala females had everything thrown at them and so many of them being killed. The cubs were repeatedly killed which left a huge gap in the pride growing stronger and bigger. The two lionessess that lost their tales shows absolutely resilience in survival. It must of been so painful for them, and as I was reading the legacy of the Tsalala pride, all I could think off, is that they were two outstanding lionessess. They never gave up, no matter what the situation was, they kept their witts and survived. Very sad to hear this month that the mother of the sub adult female has been killed. She needs a medal because she beat the odds at all costs. Hope the remaining last lioness will survive and have cubs to keep the legacy ongoing. Thanks Sean for this whole story of on the Tsalala pride. I’m sure you all were heartbroken about her death. May her daughter carry on the genes of the formidable Tsalala pride.
Thank you so much, Valmai. They were a phenomenal pride of lions and showed so much determination and will to survive no matter what. Let’s hope the young female is able to re-establish the pride.
What a fantastic Pride! So sad that the mother was killed! Difficult for her to lose her mother and friend. I think and hope that this young female will make it!
Thank you, Ann. It is tragic to lose your mother and closest friend. I think she will make it too.
Thank you for the history of the Tsalala Pride. They have always
Thank you, MJ.
That pride sure has had some tough luck. I have only been following your blog for a few years, but it appears that cubs that are born, whether lion or leopard, have a much better chance of reaching adulthood when you have stable male dynamics in the area. Do you think the male lions that killed the Tsala lioness sensed that she was pregnant and the cubs weren’t sired by them?
Hi Stephen. Yes, that is exactly it. The male dynamics are vital to the cubs’ survival. If the males are unstable then they are not able to keep rivals out and the different rival males will kill the cubs. I am not too sure as to why they would have killed her. I am just hypothesizing now, but it could be a combination of factors as it always is. She was pregnant, which means she will be releasing an array of hormones, which sometimes can confuse the males to believe she is in heat. The males will then want to try to mate with her. She could have also been trying to protect her daughter from the males as they could potentially harm her as the daughter is not yet sexually mature. There could have also been a carcass involved that she was trying to protect. It will be interesting to find out the real reason why but sadly I don’t think that is possible.
Great article Sean! Absolutely amazing recollection! One minor thing is that the Tsalala lioness who was killed and her brothers were born in 2013, not 2014. Wishing the young female all the luck and historical fortunes that her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother had! Any recent updates on her that you know of?
Thank you so much, Michael. Great thank you for that information.
Sadly, we haven’t heard of anything recently. She had been lurking along the Sand River but there has been a lot of lion activity nearby so she has most likely moved back further west. As soon as we hear anything we will let you know.
Thank you for such an absolutely epic, Shakespearean story of the Tsalala pride. I met the pride in May 2015 when both the Original Tailless, the Younger Tailless, and her sister were doing well and had a lot of cubs. I had no idea of their dramatic history, but have followed their stories in the blog ever since. It seems like one tragedy after another, but their grit and determination through all challenges, and willingness to split up to try and keep the cubs safe when necessary, is really inspiring. So many people around the world are rooting for the remaining young lioness. I hope the male lion dynamics at Londolozi get settled before she is ready to mate, so her potential cubs will be protected.
Sean , your details of their brave and amazing life, left me speechless. I have gained much from reading the comments you have received over the last 30 hours.
Let us hope the cub can survive and thrive
Thank you Sean, what an incredible story!
As an aside, does anyone know what Adam Bannister is up to these days? Last I heard (and that was many years ago) he was working at a jaguar project in Brazil.
What a fascinating and amazing story of the Tsalala Pride; it’s also very touching! Thank you for sharing this history.
Thank you Sean for your summary of Adam’s brilliant timeline of the Tsalala pride. Knowing some of her legacy to persevere against all odds, I’m hopeful her daughter can carry on these amazing genes. I’ll be waiting for future updates.
The history of the Tsalala females was mind blowing ! Having only come into the picture in 2020, the last remaining Tsalala mother became an instant heroine for me, fighting of the Birmingham males and the Ntsevu pride and then going on to raise her daughter in very difficult circumstances. Now knowing the whole story I can understand where she got the courage and strength to overcome all the obstacles that were thrown her way. It certainly gives me hope for the last remaining Tsalala female🙏🏻💗thank you Sean and especially Adam Bannister for his dedication to this remarkable pride.
Your chronology brought back many memories – we saw Mapogos in the west in ‘07, Majingilanes in ‘10 through ‘17, Birminghams in ‘18 and a few others in between but the Tsalalas were always there. I hope the young female learned enough from her mother to stay alive and thrive!
Wonderfully detailed account of the tsalala lineage.
Thank you, Sean, for sharing the story of the Tsalala pride with us! They are an incredible lineage! Took me a few days to get to read it because I wanted to make sure I had the time to take it all in. I must admit though I might have to read again because there is just so much history there. Here’s to hoping the lone survivor can make a big comeback in the future!
Thank you for putting together the Tsalala Prides history. I had read a bit of it, but had no idea how long and complex it was/is. Lion dynamics are fascinating.
You are welcome, Marcia. It is truly a fascinating story with so many complexities. It is just great to have the entire story all in one place.
Hi Sean, can you complete your sentence? I’m interested to know the answer. You’ve written: ‘Tsalala being the Shangaan name for a ,’. There appears to be at least one word missing. Thanks.
Hi Lisa, so sorry about that, it must have been deleted accidentally during an edit. It is the Shangaan name for a Bushveld Gardenia tree.
Thank you.
Absolutely fascinating reading! Sad times, happy times, shocking events! All very compelling! Thanks so much for sharing this, Sean Zeederberg!
Thank you so much, Darlene. It is such an amazing story.
Your very moving history with its sad updated news of the Tsalala females brought back wonderful memories of my time at Londolozi. It is a dream I have to return for another special and wonderful visit.
Thank you, Barbara. The Tsalala Pride has such a fascinating history, so I am glad I got to share it with everyone. Hopefully, you will be able to visit us again soon.
Hi Sean, We saw the Tsalalas on Dulini in early July and had a fabulous sighting of them crossing the river! Magical stuff (see my IG for some photos). Also we saw the last remaining Tsalala male in early Aug 2019 feeding off an old buffalo carcass that the Nkuhuma young male had also fed on earlier and Nsuku (Birmingham) was found nearby that same carcass as well. So the 3x 2015 Tsalala males did not all die in the electrocution….one survived (“Three Tooth”) and was seen until about a year ago in Kruger, as he had formed a coalition with some other males (details unclear), but they were reportedly in a battle with other males and have disappeared. Your amazing summary is so chock full of info and also shows the incredibly complex relationships and lives of these lions!!
Great article. I’ve read it twice. I came across this information on the Tsala 2014 males. According to this only two of the three died due to the downed power lines. https://youtu.be/R1001Qdm5uU
This blog I had to read several times in order to understand the events of Tsalala pride since I started following the lions only from 2011. The struggle, turmoil, untimely deaths in a single thriving pride gives insight to the reader how difficult and tragic the life of a lion is in wild. It is indeed heartbreaking to know that despite of recovery in the pride at regular intervals, the changes in male lion dynamics results in far reaching consequences amongst the cubs and subadult lions. I hope and pray, the sole female survivor repeats history of her great grand mother and think time will tell. Finally thank the londolozi rangers and in particular Adam Banister for recording the events of the Tsalala pride so beautifully for the benefit of lion followers like me and for the future generations.
You have all done such a great job of keeping the history of this pride. I know you were all heartbroken at the death of the tailess matriarch – I have shed many tears just reading all of this. These animals were incredibly resilient and brave in their quest to survive. They persevered through many tragedies and hardships. I pray that the surviving members will prevail and carry on the legacy. Thanks Sean – a mixed emotion blog.
The Tsalala story honestly breaks my heart. I fear for this lone lioness who’s been delt such a unfair hand. I can’t get her out of my head, I worry so much and I don’t understand why she’s affected so deeply. I’ve cried over thus mother and daughter, now down to one. I worry for this lone lioness so much it confuses me. I wish you could help keep her safe at least until she has some adult daughter that will stay with her