The Tsalala Female’s journey through motherhood has taken a heartbreaking turn. For a lioness already facing immense challenges, the loss of one of her cubs is a cruel reminder of the harsh realities that come with raising young in the wild, especially without the support of a larger pride. This tragedy has tested her resilience, but the story is far from over, and there is still hope on the horizon.
Throughout October, a coalition of two ageing nomads—the Kruger Male and the Southern Avoca Male—has been wandering through the area. These two males from different backgrounds have banded together to live out their twilight years. A union for survival rather than dominance. Their presence brought an unsettling air to the territory, especially when they ventured westward, closer to where the Tsalala Female had been keeping her cubs safe among the rocky outcrops.
The details of what happened remain unclear, but reports from our neighbouring reserve suggest that a tragic encounter unfolded. It appears the nomads may have stumbled upon the cubs, prompting the Tsalala Female to defend them fiercely. This altercation attracted the attention of the Plains Camp Males, who rushed in to protect what they believe to be their progeny. Despite the bravery displayed, the aftermath revealed that only two cubs had been accounted for, leaving one little life lost in the chaos.
After days passed we could accept the confirmation that one of the female cubs did not survive, weighing heavily on our hearts. For a small pride like the Tsalala Pride, every cub holds the promise of a stronger future, especially the females, who remain with the pride to bolster its ranks. The young male will eventually face his own journey of independence, but the female cubs represent the continuity of the Tsalala Legacy. Losing one is not just a personal tragedy for the mother—it is a setback for the pride’s chance to rebuild.
The Tsalala Female herself was seen bearing a few wounds, though thankfully, none appeared serious. Meanwhile, the Kruger Male was spotted alone wandering far from the scene, his solitary figure suggesting the conflict had scattered the parties involved. Days passed without any trace of the missing cub, and though the hope lingered, the reality settled in: the little lioness was gone.
Yet, even amid this sorrow, there is reason to cling to optimism. One female cub remains, a glimmer of hope that the Tsalala Pride’s legacy can endure. The Tsalala Female is no stranger to hardship. From the very beginning, she has walked a path of adversity, following in the pawprints of her mother who raised her alone under similarly challenging circumstances. Every decision she makes is guided by instinct and the lessons from her own upbringing, and despite the odds, she continues to fight for her cubs’ survival.
The coming months will be crucial. The Tsalala Female will need to summon every bit of her strength, instinct, and cunning to navigate the dangers that lie ahead. She is not only protecting her cub but laying the groundwork for the pride’s future. As she moves forward with her remaining cubs, there is still a chance for the Tsalala Pride to grow stronger.
The road may be steep, but we are rooting for her every step of the way. We believe in the resilience of the Tsalala Lineage—a line of lionesses who have always fought for survival with unmatched courage. As long as one female cub remains, the Tsalala story continues, and with it, a flicker of hope for the pride’s revival.
This is such sad news. The laws of nature can be cruel. However. With mother and 2 cubs surviving, we can hope for a future fot the Tsalala lineage. There were stories out there, that ll 4 had been killed. So. In a weird sense. I’m relieved. With a mother and daughter. There are 2 females around still. So. Let’s hope. They will prosper. Mother is an unbelievable surviver. So let’s hope. She can carry on being this amazing female. And. Long term. Produce more cubs.
I am heart broken to read of the loss of one of the cubs from the Tsalala Female. I follow every story and we are due for another month at Londolozi in May 2025 – very sadden by this news……She is a fighter and we pray all will get better. The huge fans from Australia
Oh Sean, I thought-hoped- that the Plain Camp Males were a fortress none could ever pass close… here they come, the old guys, one half toothless and what a damage… never underestimate old lions and leopards, that’s the lesson I learned. Poor mother and the delightful adorable cub. They all had their mum’s graceful expression and attitude. Let’s hope life will be more generous with this little family…
This is unfortunate news, but I am hopeful since two of the cubs remain. Perhaps caring for two cubs will be less pressure on her as a new mother. Praying the remaining cubs survive and the Tsalala pride will grow.
After reading Nick’s blog yesterday, he had set the stage for what I suspected to be a heartbreaking report today. Definitely this is sad news for all of us, losing one cub is tragic in such a small pride, bit I’m relieved that Tsalala and her other two cubs survived the attack. The marauding old-timers take no prisoners, intent on finding a pride and fighting anyone who gets in their way. Is there any sign that the Southern Avoca may have been killed by the Plains Camp? If he is severely injured, then the Kruger male will once more roam on his own. Thanks for this timely report.
Nature is hard. I am saddened by the loss of the female cub. But hope abides that the remaining two cubs will be kept safe by their mother and the pride until adulthood.
It is especially sad to hear the Tsalala Queen has lost one of her daughters. I wish her well in raising the other two cubs. Not an easy life out there for a lioness. Unbeknownst to her she carries the future of the Tsalala Pride with her. Thank you for the update.
Really sad news ,Sean. I can only hope that the two remaining cubs can reach maturity and flourish.
Im so very sad reading this. I understand how danger can be around each corner but for some reason this is not helping. Praying the remaining cubs will make it and grow to support their mom. Just terrible news.
This is so sad. I have always admired and loved this brave lioness. There had been such great hope about the future of her own little pride. This is a real tragedy. Life in the bush is indeed cruel – very often at least. Two oldish roaming males can destroy the future of other animals….
When will tragedy stop following this Tsalala lioness? Since she’s such a tough, successful hunter/fighter, it must have been quite a struggle to result in the death of her cub. I hope that the Plains Camp fathers can do a better job in the future of protecting her and the remaining cubs.
What a horrible occurrence for the Tsalala female and her remaining cubs. She was the first lion I saw on my initial visit to Londolozi so she has a special place in my heart. I was ecstatic when I knew that she was pregnant. Fingers crossed that her small family thrives.
Thats the hard life in wilderness, very sad news to hear.But 2 litter are still remaining and hopefully, they will survive.
Hi Sean, this is devastating knews of the Tsalala female and her cubs. She has been through so much in her life. She was alone for so long, fending for herself and at last got pregnant and had 3 gorgeous cubs. I really do hope and pray that she can keep these 2 cubs safe and raise them to adulthood. Her lineage must carry forth. It looks to me the Tsalala females mother had bad luck and if I remember correctly she was killed leaving the Tsalala female to fend for herself. I really hope that this won’t happen to her and her 2 remaining cubs. Please keep us updated with the Tsalala female and her cubs.
So many amazing comments from everyone – it really does keep hope alive and I am sure the little ones will mature and thrive. Living in Australia and only managing to get out once a year we feel so blessed to be allowed the opportunity to view all of the African animals in their natural and very beautiful habitat. She is such a brave lioness I continue with high hopes that the cubs get through the next few months…
That is tragic news. She is such a brave and resilient lioness I hope she can continue to protect her remaining cubs and raise them to maturity.
Very sad news Sean, but on the bright side, the Tsalala lineage lives on in the brilliance of the mother and the promise of the remaining female cub. Wish her all the good fortune going forward!!
I waited a few days to read this, life can be very fragile in such a harsh environment