In today’s Virtual Safari, our journey takes us to the Nhlanguleni Female’s den after having heard the reports that she was there and with one cub. As we approach the den site, there is a mix of anticipation and concern in the air. Sadly, we have reason to believe that one of the cubs may have fallen victim to a hyena, but our hopes are still high for the remaining cub’s survival.
Our patience is soon rewarded as the Nhlanguleni leaps gracefully onto a boulder, eagerly awaiting the cub to join her. The young making several valiant attempts to join its mother atop the steep-sided boulder. After a bit of struggle, the cub finally conquers the challenge and joyfully reunites with its mother. The bond between the mother and the cub is heartwarming, and it offers us a unique opportunity for both breathtaking viewing and unforgettable photography.
But the wild has its surprises, and our attention is soon diverted as we hear the distant approach of elephants. In an instant, the cub scampers back to the safety of the den, concealed under a protective boulder. Nhlanguleni gracefully descends from her perch and vanishes into the grass, making way for the massive intruder.
Astonishingly, the elephant nonchalantly ascends the terrace at the den, indulging in the lush vegetation that serves as a natural camouflage for the cubs. Moments later, the elephant strolls right past the very rock where the leopards were perched just minutes before. It’s a morning of extraordinary encounters, with both a leopard and her cub, and a majestic elephant converging at the same spot at the den site.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
Initially skittish she spent a lot of time in the Sand River, now relaxed she makes up the majority of leopard viewing west of camp.
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It is gratifying to see Nhlanguleni with her cub today, albeit disheartening to learn she has lost the other. We know it’s a difficult life for leopards to safely keep and raise their cubs, all the while needing to leave them in order to hunt. It was interesting to observe that all the while this little cub was moving around its mother, nuzzling her at times, Nhlanguleni remained rather stoic, a human attribute. Perhaps she was looking out for danger. Terrific video Sean.
Even though we never want to see a leopard cub lost, perhaps this is nature’s way of concentrating resources to the surviving cub to increase its likelihood of survival.
I noticed last week and this week that the video quality is different somehow, but I can’t find the words to describe it, more crisp perhaps? Did you upgrade your equipment?
Another weekly video that doesn’t disappoint. Beautifully done.
Thank you Sean for the wonderful video of the Nhlanguleni mother leopard and her cub. I especially enjoyed the elephant interrupting the peaceful scene.
Hi Sean, so glad that there is least one of the cubs still alive and doing well. Very precious to see mom and cub interacting with each other. The den is quite secure for the cubs, and she can sit on the boulder and rest and at the same time look for intruders. Wow that was a hug elephant and right there were the cubs is hiding. Any noise or disturbance sends the cub into the den for safety.
Magnificent!
Amazing set of chance circumstances and video Sean! the footage of the Nhlanguleni and her cub are priceless, and made even more incredible when kept in mind as the elephant came into the scene at the very same spot! Just wow!!
How did you edit out my crowing in the background? 😂 Will always remember that sighting.
So great to see that at least this one cub survived the hyena’s attack and is doing well.
A wonderful video, Sean, with these special interactions between the Nhlanguleni female, her cub and the elephant.
Superb! Leopards (a cub in addition!) Cuteness overload and the mum looks regal. The elephants walking through the vegetation are a great view as well! I watched Kids in the Wild, i wonder why do leopards, cheetah and even lions (luckily in the documentaries no cub or pup was lost) loose so many litters, why hyenas and wild dogs manage to survive in such high numbers. I’m so sad an hyena got the other cub, unluckily for other mammals they are very intelligent animals that never give up to get a chance to eat anything! Maybe they have a too high concentration in several areas in comparison to the other carnivores…
Charming video today!. Nhlanguleni is unfazed by the young cub’s antics–remarkable discipline to keep watch.
The den appears to be in the same location as when we saw her last month.
Thank you so much, Vin. Yes so she kept the cub there for some time but I believe she moved it not too long after this video.