Shortly after leaving camp, with the intention of trying to see the Nkuwa Female and her two male cubs, we heard from Jess that she had found the Skorro Breakaway Male. We joined her there and within a matter of minutes, he was up and chasing after a hyena that had a carcass and Melvin and Robyn were following through the clearings nearby. Now happy with his spoils the Skorro Breakaway Male settled in the shade and finished what was left.
Before we knew it we were scampering down to the Sand River after Reece gave us an update that the Nkuwa Female and her cubs were walking south from where their carcass was, quite likely to have a drink from the river. I certainly wasn’t going to miss that opportunity and arrived at a stunning view of two of the leopards. We followed them back to the carcass where one youngster satisfied his hunger while his mother rested in the grass not too far away. Still unsure of where the second cub was we made the call to leave the leopards for the evening as the carcass was still on the ground and our presence there could likely attract hyenas who would in turn quickly snap up the free meal.
The following morning on our way to see what had transpired over the course of the evening, we bumped into some elephants casually feeding right outside camp before we crossed through the Sand River at Finfoot Crossing. With no leopards to be seen anywhere around the site of the carcass from the night before we channel our inner Sherlock Holmes to reveal what went down. Finding tracks at the base of the tree was the first clue, then claw marks and bark chipped off the trunk, then nyala fur and blood going up the side of the tree all indicate that they did indeed hoist the carcass. However, in case the stresses of motherhood weren’t difficult enough for the Nkuwa Female, having two high-spirited young males to look after takes it to another level. Young leopards aren’t yet equipped with a perfect set of skills when it comes to moving, repositioning and feeding on carcasses in a tree. This often leads to them knocking the carcass out of the tree and losing it to pesky hyenas waiting below.
This is quite likely what happened and all the animals had then moved on back down to the river. While in search of any of them down there, we come across a ranger and tracker in dire need of some assistance. We swoop in and save the day.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
Raised as an intact litter, first in 7 years, who has now made her own history by raising two males to independence as an intact litter.
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Great to see the Skorro Breakaway male so close in video and a leopardess with two cubs finally! All healthy and thriving. Also the herd of elephants, always a welcome sight
It was such an awesome time with all these amazing animals.
Life certainly is not easy for a leopard mother with two cubs. At last they were able to have some of the food though they may have lost the rest to a hyena.
In August we also saw the Skorro male steal a carcass from a hyena and a leopard; he definitely enjoyed whatever was left of that prey. And the Nkuwa , who hd also arrived when she heard the commotion, watched from the bushes how he devoured everything.
A mother leopard has a very challenging time raising cubs and it isn’t going to be over for a while for the Nkuwa Female.
Sean, Once again you had a great adventure. The was you are shooting your video definitely helps tell the story! Beautiful leopard shots across the river. I would hope that helping another ranger like you did would give you a credit for a “Pink Pouch”! Also, does a flat tire get the Pouch?
It was such an awesome couple of game drives. Thank you so much. Sadly, this incident was not worthy of the pink pouch and if only I could bank a credit I certainly would.
Hi Sean, thanks for the exciting video of the Nkuhuma female and her cubs. They are growing up so quickly and they are gorgeous. Wow the Skorro male is so huge and really a beautiful male. Would definitely not want to get on his wrong side. Loved the baby elephant and love to see them forage.
They are growing so quickly and it has been so incredible having them around over the last little while.
Thoroughly enjoyed the virtual safari, especially seeing the magnificent Skorro male. He truly measures up to the perfect male lion image. Great to see how well Nkuwa is doing raising two male cubs. They look to be around 8-9 months and the one featured today is quite big.
So in the case of todays flat tire and the need for assistance, is that pink pouch worthy? If so, I guess they won’t leave the lodge again without checking to make sure their tool kit is complete!
Thank you so much, Denise. The Skorro Breakaway Male is an impressive young male. Hopefully, he sticks around for a while longer. The Nkuwa Cubs are I think if my math is correct about 11 months old. Sadly, a flat tyre doesn’t warrant the pink pouch.