The lion dynamics we are experiencing here at Londolozi at the moment are extremely interesting, to say the least. Since the arrival of the Ndzhenga Coalition in early November 2021, we’ve seen a shift in the movement of the lions of Londolozi. The Ntsevu Lionesses gave birth to 11 cubs in early October 2021 which provided us with some amazing Lion viewing.
Back in November 2021 – Settling down at the end of an extensive territorial patrol deep into the Birmingham Males’ territory, two of the Ndzhenga Males brush heads before flopping over to rest.
Early that November the four Ndzhenga Male Lions arrived on Londolozi causing absolute havoc for the local Ntsevu Pride and Birmingham Males. Not only did one of the Birmingham Male lions fall to the arrival of the ‘new blood’ (assumption no fact) but we also saw the mothers of the 11 cubs flee further towards the eastern boundary of the Sabi Sand in an attempt to keep their cubs alive. Over a few weeks of trying their best to avoid the four new male lions seven of the eleven cubs were unfortunately lost.
One of the Ntsevu Mothers with her cubs before the Ndzhenga Males had moved in. A few weeks after this photo this mother would have had to flee with her youngsters.
On the 24th of March 2022, five months later we headed out on a morning game drive towards Londolozi’s eastern boundary. We switched off the engine to allow ourselves some time to listen out for any potential alarm calls. Not too far away, as we’d hoped, a herd of impala started alarming rapidly. Our vehicle, along with ranger Jess Shillaw’s vehicle rushed into the area to hopefully find what had spooked the frantic herd.
As we arrived, Jess, myself and our guests were hit with something very unexpected. Two of the Ntsevu mothers and the four remaining cubs were walking through a clearing. They were back. We could see they were moving very anxiously. Every couple of seconds the two mothers would glance back over their shoulders to see if any danger was approaching from behind. They would then break out into a trot, trying their best to get as far away as possible. Distant roaring from the Ndzhenga Males kept them moving pretty much all morning. The six of them managed to get far enough west where we hope they’re out of the danger for now… at least from the Ndzhenga Coalition.
A lioness looking over her shoulder with a number of cubs around her (this image is not from the sighting in which we talk about but helps depict what we were looking at).
The honest reality is that these four cubs will never be safe. Their father is no longer territorial in the area and the new male lions aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The good news is that for now, they are a fair distance away from the threatening males. It’s exciting to see how these two brave mothers will do all they can to raise the last four cubs of the Birmingham Coalition. I look forward to writing a follow-up blog on the progress of these young Lions. Stay tuned for what’s to come.
Three of the young Ntsevu Cubs keep an eye out for any approaching danger.
Brave mothers. Let‘s hope that they can bring up their cubs successfully against all odds.
These cubs are far too cute and their mothers absolutely brave! It’s such a difficult task but maybe with some luck on their side they can succeed… heart of a lioness, that’s it! Beautiful impala picture
Thanks for this update! That photo by Guy is beautiful 🤩…
Dan, thank you for the update of the Ntsevu lioness’ and their cubs.
Dan ,it is such a pity that the Ndhzenga Males will kill the cubs with no doubt in mind. Honestly I do hope that those two female lionessess and the 4 cubs can get away, far away from those males. Is it presumed that the other 7 cubs have been killed. Please keep us posted on these 4 beautiful cubs Dan.
Loook forward to the update–thanks!
Any worry about the Avoca males on this group?
With the strength and longevity of the Birmingham males for fathers and the love and bravery of their mother’s
bringing the Ntsevu cubs back home…
May their journey continue to be blessed
I read somewhere that the remaining birmingham male has teamed up with a nkuhuma youngster…….. Perhaps they can get together!!!
What a great find Dan and Jess. But my heart goes out to the cubs and I sincerely hope that the mothers are able to keep them safe as it seems the cards are not really in their favour. Hoping you get to give us more in your update blog in the future. Great news though and thank you for sharing Dan 🙏🏻💕
Thanks for the update Dan! It’s good to know these two females have managed to navigate the eastern territory long enough to raise their cubs past the baby stage and hopefully now that they’ve moved west, they can continue to stay under the radar of any resident males. I imagine the cubs won’t be safe until they reach the juvenile or sub-adult stage. These two lionesses really have exemplified “the love and heart of a mother”.
Will be so sad if these cubs don’t survive…..but their mamas will try everything in their power to keep them safe.