During a recent guest visit, I had the privilege of spending time with the Three Rivers Female and her cub. Watching them interact, I realized it was the perfect moment to reflect on this remarkable mother leopard and her growing cub.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Earlier this year, around March, the Three Rivers Female gave birth to two cubs, creating unforgettable moments for guests, guides, and trackers alike. For me and tracker, Life Sibuyi, she has been a source of incredible sightings, offering us a rare glimpse into the life of this elusive predator. However, as is often the case in the wild, not all cubs survive. By the time we first spotted her new litter, only one cub remained. The loss of her other cub remains a mystery, but it’s a harsh reminder of the challenges leopards face in raising young.
The Three Rivers Female and both of her new cubs, this was the very first time they were seen on Londolozi after recently being moved across from our neighbours to the east.
The Three Rivers Female’s territory lies in the southeastern part of our reserve, extending into a neighbouring property to the east. It was here that she initially gave birth to her cubs. Unfortunately with our luck not stretching that far, when I first got to see her new litter after having moved the den site of the cubs, only one was left. How she lost her other cub we are uncertain but it was very early on and when leopard cubs are very young they are extremely vulnerable.
After finishing off an impala, the Three Rivers female and her cub briefly settle up in a clearing while always scanning their surroundings.
Fast forward about eight months, and the remaining female cub is thriving. She has begun mastering the essential skills she’ll need to one day navigate life as an independent leopard. Each day offers new challenges and lessons, and with every passing moment, she refines her abilities, steadily improving her chances of survival and a successful transition to independence.
The Three Rivers young female sitting at the edge of a water hole in the beautiful evening light.
When Sean Zeederberg introduced this young female in a previous blog, he outlined some of the significant challenges she will face on her path to independence — one of the most pressing being the abundance of other predators in the area. Recently, the Kambula Pride and the Ndzhenga Males have been spending a lot of time in the area where we tend to find the Three Rivers Female and her cub, posing significant risks to both of them. However, I have no doubt that the Three Rivers Female is highly attuned to these dangers and is doing an excellent job of keeping herself and her cub out of harm’s way.
One evocative aspect of this story is the parallel between this cub’s journey and her mother’s history. The Three Rivers Female was forced into early independence at just ten months old after the death of her mother, the Xidulu Female, who was killed by lions. Reflecting on this makes me marvel at her resilience, but it also underscores the importance of maternal support during these formative months. While the cub has begun experimenting with hunting small prey like scrub hares and birds, her success is still limited. For now, she relies heavily on her mother for regular meals—a vital part of her development.
The Three Rivers Female playing with her cub. It is an extremely important part of honing in on fine motor skills that will only end up aiding the young cub.
As the cub approaches her first birthday, her chances of reaching independence grow steadily. Challenges remain, from avoiding rival predators to steering clear of territorial male leopards who aren’t her father. However, she’s learning her mother’s territory intimately, which will be a critical asset in her survival. If she’s inherited her mother’s tenacity and resourcefulness, I have no doubt she will forge her own path in this unforgiving wilderness.
Here’s hoping that this young female’s story continues to unfold before our eyes, bringing joy and wonder to all who have the privilege of seeing her.
Happy new year Ross! This is a favourite blog for me, as the Three Rivers female and her mother are special characters of the wilderness in Londolozi. The first picture is absolutely priceless and my favourite above most, the look of the daughter while she walks close to her mum is unique. I thought that it will be harder for them to part at a usual age. I read a blog by Jess or Kirst, I Don remember yet, about the caring attitude of the Three Rivers female towards her sick daughter that was unable to move. They are a peculiar mother and daughter, with such difficult starts in life. I hope to get news about them often. Thank you for this tale of love and resilience!
Thanks ,Ross, for this update on these two wonderful leopards. I had the privilege to see them in September and I am very happy that the cub has developed so much under the watchful eye of her mother. Leopards are indeed amazing and really tough animals who can recover, as the Three Rivers female did the year before from horrible wounds.
Hi Ross, the Three Rivers female and her cub are two stunning leopards and I really do hope that the female cub will keep growing right up to adulthood. The lions are nearby, after the terrible attack on Nkoveni and her female cub I am very skeptical. Wonderful to watch mom and cub playing together. So very precious to see.
Love that leopards-great shots
Thank you Ross, she’s always been 1 of my favourites since I first saw her as a 6 month old cub with her mother and male sibling. I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen her several times since then, one of which was with her young male cub. Am I right in thinking he is the only cub she’s brought to independence so far? Paws crossed she can do the same with this one!
It has been fascinating and fun to watch the interactions between Three Rivers female and her female cub. It seemed her cub had some feeding issues early on and this mother took the time to make sure her cub ate something after every successful hunt. Consequently these two look to be very close – especially during playtime that is actually training for the cub’s journey to independence. I’m returning to Londolozi in March and hope to see these two together. Fingers are crossed that neither crosses paths with the Kambulas who show no mercy for leopards. Thanks for the update.