About the Author

Kyle Gordon

Contributor

Kyle was born and raised in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. His childhood was spent scurrying barefooted along the banks of various rivers and dams, fishing rod ever-in-hand, enjoying the beauty and freedom of outdoors. Kyle obtained a degree in construction from UCT ...

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30 Comments

on Heartbreak and Hope, a Story of Survival

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Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Thanks Kyle for such a comprehensive story about the distribution and history of different prides that have made Londolozi their home. There were some harrowing moments in the lives of these lions over the past couple of decades but perhaps this is due to more detailed reporting. This article read once is a lot to absorb, so I definitely will print it and read it a couple more times.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

It is definitely a lot to take in and I did try to be as succinct as possible but the dynamics can be a lot for even us who work here to take in!

Ian Hall
Master Tracker

Fingers crossed, lion dynamics make a soap opera look tame

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

They definitely do, Ian!

Darlene Knott
Master Tracker

Thank you for sharing this story. We have watched this group of lions and cubs and hoping for the best! Relieved to know that 2 survived.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Hi Darlene, hopefully they’ll still both be around the next time you come visit!

Mark Ceres
Explorer

Great documentary. The photo of the male is wonderful!

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Thanks, Mark. It’s a beautiful photo of a magnificent male lion.

Lisa
Explorer

So very sad. Life truly is hard for these animals. I don’t understand why. Any news on the Tsalala female?

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

She has been around a fair amount over the last couple of weeks so there may be some update coming soon! if nothing else, I am sure she’ll be in a TWIP soon.

Christa Blessing
Master Tracker

This is really an amazing story. Heartbreak and hope, as you say, and death and survival are in such close proximity in the bush. I do keep my fingers crossed for these lionesses that they may survive and have their own cubs in due time.
By the way, do you know if the young Tsalala lioness is still fine? She has also been such a great surviver.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

We all hope the same, Christa. We’re all watching in anticipation! The Tsalala female is around and has been seen quite a bit over the last two weeks. She is one of the ultimate survivors for sure!

Vin Beni
Guest contributor

It’s great having an ongoing historical perspective on the lions we have seen personally.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Thanks Vin, hopefully you’ll see these latest additions in the years to come!

Valmai Vorster
Master Tracker

Kyle the lion dynamics changes so much. So glad to see the youngster is excepted in the pride and very glad that the male was not aggressive towards here. I was very upset when the majestic Othawa male was killed. But that is wild life in raw and only the strongest survive.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

That’s it Valmai, unfortunately. We just have to try not to get attached!

Bob and Lucie Fjeldstad
Guest contributor

We will anxiously follow your updates to see how they fare.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Hopefully they’ll be around when you get here in a couple of months!

William Paynter
Master Tracker

Kyle, life is truly precious and not to be taken for granted especially in the animal kingdom. Thanks for your insights and the wonderful photos of the lions.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Definitely, it’s a fragile thing anywhere, but out here especially so.

Susan Strauss
Digital Tracker

What an incredible story. I am so sad to hear of the Ntsevu lioness passing and heartened that her family remains strong together. And who says we aren’t supposed to get attached??!! At the end of the day, all creatures will someday die. So get as attached as you can. The greater the loss, the bigger the love.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Maybe that’s the way to look at it, Susan! I do like that.

Mary Beth Wheeler
Guest contributor

What an amazing story, especially read along with the complete history of the Tsalala pride for context. Thanks, Kyle. We’ll be watching for updates in the weeks and months ahead.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

We’ll all be keeping you updated, Mary Beth!

Francesca Doria
Master Tracker

Hi Kyle, a lioness’ story is always a saga in itself, a whole pride is a real constantly unfolding drama! I love to read all the stories of this pride and also male lions. The king always has a short and often hard life. Lioness endure a troubled time as well. It is thrilling and I always held my breath when reading it. Some bitterness follows, as with determined males against them and so many hyenas, cubs had no chance. And then the older lioness. I’m glad that the young daughter joined her pride and did not stay lonely as the Tsalala female is… looking for good news. Thanks for this accurate and breathtaking tales of this legendary pride

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Thank you for reading, Francesca! Lion dynamics are incredibly complex and fascinating, hard to watch at times and beautiful at others. We are all watching with bated breath to see what happens in the next chapter!

Moira McLachlan
Explorer

An amazing story and outcome. I love learning about Lion dynamics, thank you for sharing.

Kyle Gordon
Contributor

Hi Moira, an absolute pleasure. Thank you for reading! Lion dynamics really are fascinating.

Ann Marie
Explorer

Here’s hoping for another litter of cubs in less than 110 days so they will be old enough to catch a viewing in July 🤞

Michael and Terri Klauber
Guest contributor

Kyle, We are so happy to hear of the great connection between lions. It’s wonderful that the females accepted the young female! The saga continues!

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