With 2024 having come to an end, I can’t help but look back at what a fantastic year it was all around at Londolozi. Despite 2024 being a good year, I would also like to pay homage to a leopard who unfortunately didn’t make it, The Senegal Bush Male.
When I Started at Londolozi back in 2020, The Senegal Bush Male was just starting to form his territory down in the southeastern parts of our reserve. At first, he was quite unrelaxed but as soon as he established himself, he quickly became one of the most viewed leopards at Londolozi and a fan favourite.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
By holding quite a large territory, that ranged over many females’ territories he managed to pass on his genetics to potentially four different litters of cubs that are now independent and thriving. The Ntomi Male that is holding territory on our western boundary, The Nsuku Male that is occupying an area in the deep southwestern parts of Londolozi and the Stone Drift and Xhinkova Females who are soon going to be having cubs of their own. Although he didn’t see in the new year, his genetics live on in all of these leopards that managed to make it to independence. And essentially that is the ultimate goal- to pass on one’s genetics.
The presence of the Maxim’s Male started pushing the Senegal Bush Male further north and west into areas that he wasn’t familiar with and this eventually led to his demise.
Tracking him will always be something I remember because he had a massive territory and was quite methodical with his movements often walking the same routes. Making it possible to predict his movements and where you think you might find him. Whenever you did find him he almost seemed to be annoyed that he had been found.
He will always be remembered for his deeply set eyes that always gave that feeling that he was grumpy and when he would stare at you, he would look through your soul.
Below are some photos of him over the years. He was one of my favourite leopards to view at Londolozi and will be missed!
Do you know what happened to him ? I hope it wasn’t lions or hyenas. Hopefully he passed away in his sleep. It’s so sad when one of the leopards or lions we get to know pass away. It just breaks my . Hopefully he’s in leopard heaven doing what leopards love to do best
Beautiful pictures of him We would call him Mr Snarly pants. He always snarled at you. He is missed!
What a lovely tribute and equally stunning photos. I have only been to Londolozi once but
What a lovely tribute and equally stunning photos. You certainly have honored his memory. I appreciated your comment:
Although he didn’t see in the new year, his genetics live on in all of these leopards that managed to make it to independence. And essentially that is the ultimate goal- to pass on one’s genetics.
Patrick, it is always hard to say goodby. Thanks for the pictures of a magnificent leopard.
Hi Patrick, this is an interesting but sad read. Do you know what happened to him? He was a stunning leopard and definitely a force to be reckoned with. I never had the pleasure to see him personally but loved reading about him. His genes will live on in the litters he sired. If you know, please let us know how he passed. Thank you.
I saw him a couple of times…..those eyes! Looked like he was wearing black eyeliner.
One of my favorite leopards too, Patrick…and those eyes!! I’ll always remember tracking and following him through the bush then witnessing his mid-air warthog catch and kill! Adrenaline rush!
Hi Patrick, I don’t yet realise so well that he has gone… such a power of nature, almost a god like some original people think… I love his wild, deep, unique look, luckily the Ntomi male inherited much of his boldness and strength. He was right to feel disturbed, he was the king! Such a beautiful creature , I can’t believe some of the most beautiful pictures of him are still unsold. That one of his eye… his look was unique. That is a picture I would have too much respect to hang on a wall, I prefer to keep it in my soul. I never met him, nonetheless he touched me so deeply through your fantastic pictures, you are wizards able to make such unique animals alive. I understand your feelings Patrick. He will be not forgotten. I was waiting for a homage to him. Thank you
Dear Patrick, thats a sad news, I love this leopard cause of the special ears, and I am happy to saw him often.
Thanks for the update. I was thinking of him the other day and wondered if he had finally passed on. I am bummed I never got to see him in person, although he was the first leopard I could identify by his photos. His eyes always had such a gothic look to them. I hope the end came quickly, without suffering. Long live his progeny.
Hi Patrick, it is sad to hear that he is no longer alive. What happened to him. He used to get very upset if someone saw him, so his nick name was Mr Grumpy. Luckily there is the Maxim’s male that can go on mating and spreading his genes.
We don’t know what happened? I hope now you can find more time w/ his son the Ntomi Male…he’s my favorite… handsome like his dad.
It’s always sad to hear that a wonderful leopard who had been such an impressive character and had been around for such a long time, has become late. I will always remember The Senegal Bush Male. And I am glad that his offspring is doing so well and the Xhinkova Female might soon have tiny cubs that will continue his lineage.
A truely impressive and stunning leopard