The Three Rivers Young Male has been seen a number of times recently and it is about time we gave an update on him. He is doing very well and although it is still early to say with confidence, I am sure he is bound to shape into an imitable force amongst the male leopards in this area (if he sticks around).
One of two cubs to survive, the sister lost at five months. Still dependent on his mother, but is growing into an impressive young male.
Born in July 2021, he is just over two years old now but what was interesting was that his mother pushed him into what we thought was a relatively early independence. In January, the Three Rivers Female was seen mating with the Maxim’s Male while the Three Rivers Young Male was only 17 months old. Now, we would imagine that she would only be planning on having another litter of cubs once she is confident that her previous litter are capable of looking after themselves.
Part curiosity, part mischievous led the Three Rivers Young Male to crawl down the termite mound in an attempt to get closer to a herd of impala.
At 17 months, the Three Rivers Young Male was not likely to survive alone, but thankfully over the next three and a half months, the mother’s gestation period, he managed to become resourceful enough to get by. In May, the Three Rivers Female gave birth to her second litter in Mala Mala. For sure now, the young male was on his own. Initially very skittish of the vehicles since leaving his mother, but over the last little while we have had some incredible sightings of the Three Rivers Young Male as he begins to get used to the vehicles on his own.
The Three Rivers Young Male was spotted with a hoisted impala ram.
A recent sighting reminded me that the process of habituation takes time and patience, and a whole lot of reverence for these incredible cats, as I wrote about in a previous blog.
After spotting the Three Rivers Young Male hiding in a spike thorn thicket, we decided to wait it out and after giving him a little bit of time and space, he rewarded us with approaching a nearby wallow to drink.
Recently, it has been great to witness how this nomadic young male leopard begins to catch more substantial meals which will sustain him for longer, as highlighted in the image below where ranger Kirst Joscelyne got to witness the Three Rivers Young Male trying to hoist a zebra foal, more on this to come.
Hoisting a zebra foal up a tree is no easy feat. Even for more mature, older male leopards! So it was incredibly impressive when the Three Rivers Young Male attempted to hoist his prized meal.
In addition to honing his hunting skills, a recent sighting of the Maxims Male AND the Three Rivers Young Male mating with the Ximungwe Female was something to behold, as Robbie Ball describes in his latest blog. This just speaks to his growth and development as he establishes himself with this newfound independence.
![Three Rivers Young Male And Ximungwe Female Mating (3) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14141214/Three-Rivers-Young-Male-and-Ximungwe-Female-Mating-3-RCB-scaled.jpg)
Going out in the afternoon searching for the mating pair of leopards, which the team knew to be the Maxims Male and Ximungwe Female, only to find the Three Rivers Young Male at the scene and in the mix too created an unbelievable and unforgettable sighting. We believe that this would also most likely be his first time mating.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
The Three Rivers Young Male growls towards the Ximungwe Female.
And while we will continue to eagerly search for this leopard and try bare witness to what life has in store for him in the coming months, it is also good to know that his mother, the Three Rivers Female, has been mating again, as well as actively defending and reinstating her territorial boundaries (with severe aggression) as Sean Zeederberg captured in his virtual safari on the epic battle between the Three Rivers Female and Nkoveni Female!
![Nkoveni And Three Rivers Females Walking In Clearing [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14141941/Nkoveni-and-Three-Rivers-Females-Walking-in-Clearing-RCB-scaled.jpg)
The Three Rivers Female and Nkoveni Female in August 2023 when we got to witness a relentless territorial battle between these two female leopards.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
I seem to have a soft spot for this young male leopard, and always enjoy the sightings we have with him so I look forward to watching his development and territory establishment in the months to come!
Although his time at Londolozi may be finite, as it is a little too soon to establish where he might set up his own territory, it is exciting to see how this leopard has survived and the Three Rivers Female has raised her first cub to independence.
![Kigelia Female Leopard Cubs In Jackalberry (5)[rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12140124/Kigelia-female-Leopard-cubs-in-Jackalberry-5RCB-280x178.jpg)
It’s good to hear that the Three Rivers young male is becoming more habituated as I recall when we saw him, he didn’t want to be seen. One thing I noticed in today’s images is the pronounced marking on his forehead. I went back and looked through other leopard photos I’ve taken and whilst they all have darker fur that meets in a somewhat concentric design, his is darker and reminds me of a circular pattern.
Since he’s two+, I would assume he will be assigned a name soon. It seems the leopard dynamics will continue to provide more stories and images for all of our enjoyment.
He does have a circular pattern on his forehead! Love that! I had to go back and look after reading your comment. Interesting mom ‘kicked’ him out so early 🙁 So glad he’s figuring life out!
Three Rivers Young Male is such a georgous leopard!
Kate, thank you for the update on the three rivers young male and the leopards of Londolozi. It will be fascinating to follow him over the next several years.
Thanks Kate, I can certainly see why you’d have a soft spot for him. Talk about growing up fast!
You said his mother had a litter in May, but I assume she must have lost them as she’s been mating again?
Another beautiful young male leopard! Nice photos, Kate. He has indeed grown up fast. Londolozi is really an Eldorado for leopards.
Kate he is a gorgeous young male and I too have started to notice him more often now. He is only 2 years old but I am sure he is going to be a stunning male in his own right. Let’s hope he stays on Londolozi ground so that we can keep on seeing him from time to time. What will his name be, surely he will get a new name shortly?
Hi Kate, I must admit that I was a bit shocked by the opening picture, as I can’t imagine a cuter baby than leopard, cheetah-and – zebra (,giraffe, elephant, antelopes..). An odd feeling of repulsion and admiration at the same time, as this boy is a real hit. He’s gorgeous and his rare pattern makes him even more attractive. He has such amzing eyes! He could look into a King’s eyes… until lions arrive! The zebra foal looks so perfect in its eternal beauty. Life is really cruel. I wonder what this young rampant guy will do and if he will travel very far from the equally great guy the Ntomi male. That said, both parents being so handsome and real fighter in life, he couldn’t be no less. Have you got any news on the Mashaba female? I know the time comes for all, but some older are resilient beyond expectations, like the Inhyathini male…
Nice to know what’s going on with this young guy! We didn’t see him this year; in April ‘22 he was happily playing with his mom in the pouring rain, on and around a termite mound! Non- stop energy! I hope he continues to thrive and stay around awhile more.