The Senegal Bush Male wasn’t the only leopard we had to say goodbye to in 2024. Sadly, the Plaque Rock Female was another heart-breaking loss. Just as I did for him, I want to honour her memory by sharing some of my favourite images from her remarkable life here at Londolozi.
From the moment she was born, the Plaque Rock Female was a very confident leopard. She was the first cub that the Nkoveni Female successfully raised to independence, and from a young age, she displayed the same poise and elegance as her mother. Before establishing her own territory, she spent much of her early life alongside the Nkoveni Female, and together they became a familiar sight around our camps. It was in these formative years, through patient and respectful observation, that she grew remarkably relaxed in our presence, allowing us to view this young leopard, almost daily.
When she finally claimed her own territory, she chose a breath-taking stretch along the Sand River, a place of unparalleled beauty at Londolozi. The open crests that wined down through stunning marula trees towards the river is where we would view her most frequently, personally, some of the most fantastic views at Londolozi are in her old territory. Being afforded the opportunity to watch the plaque rock female around these crest and river is something ill always remember.
Though she never successfully raised a litter to independence, she came heartbreakingly close more than once. We were privileged to witness tender moments between mother and cub, fleeting but unforgettable. The den sites she chose tucked away in the riverbanks and rocky outcrops offered stunning photographic opportunities, yet they also made survival difficult. Each loss was a painful reminder of the challenges that even the most capable leopards face.
Every sighting of her was special. Whether draped over a branch in the afternoon sun, prowling through the golden grass, or melting into the river’s edge, she never failed to captivate. There was always something magical about seeing her in her element, embodying both strength and beauty.
Losing the Plaque Rock Female so soon is a difficult pill to swallow. But even in her brief time with us, she left a lasting impression. Her relaxed, youthful spirit always excited those that were able to spend time with her.
Below are some of my favourite photos of her memories of a leopard who was gone too soon but will always be remembered.
Plaque Rock Female was one of the first leopards I saw at Londolozi. I remember being with Kyle when this shot was taken.
As a young playful leopard, she often used trees for a vantage point.
Her territory south of the river had many open crests with lots of marula trees that we would often find her in.
Stretching after laying up on a termite mound before heading off for a hunt.
When ever we heard alarm calls around the river, this would be a sight that followed.
On these crests, there are also lots of termite mounds that she would utilise for a height advantage.
Although she wasn’t successful with regards to cubs, she gave us many a incredible sighting when she did have youngsters.
Her territory had some incredible views that allowed for epic photographic opportunities.
Although all leopards are beautiful, she really stood out for me.
The Famous sighting where she managed to escape from one of the Ntsevu Lionesses.
She was an incredibly beautiful leopard who will always be remembered for her youthful attitude.
Scanning her territory towards the river.
The morning light, this morning was out of this world. I remember following her on a territorial patrol for almost 2 hours.
She was never too shy to climb a tree.
Another successful hunt in and around the river.
She will be missed.
I’m so sad she died so young and that we never got to see her. She was born the week we came to Londolozi, so I always felt a special attachment at being able to watch her grow up via the blog. She brought so much joy to so many people worldwide, and that’s something, even if she never did raise cubs successfully.
Hi Patrick, your post is so sensitive, written from the depths of your heart and I appreciate this so much, she was one of the leopards I followed most, as a daughter of the Nkoveni Female and granddaughter to the Mashaba female I was sure she would have been a successful mother later. Maybe, if she wouldn’t have been killed by lions, her cub may have survived… she was gorgeous and in a couple of pictures she looks as her mother. I am confused about her father, was it the Flat Rock male or the Senegal Bush male? Her personality was a great bonus that made her irresistible. I still have deep in my mind her playing with her cub ,just before being killed. Her territory was absolutely a paradise, unfortunately lions thought the same. It seems leopards are the predators they don’t tolerate to the highest level, even more of hyenas. They look for them to kill them. It’s so sad. Thank you for her wonderful photos and a so well deserved memories….
My last sighting of the Plaque Rock leopard was from our 2023 visit: Piccadilly female AND Plaque Rock female with gash. Both aggressively scent marking and growling loudly. Follow Plaque Rock to Londolozi sign by our entrance pond. Now here within 200 yards of camp [Tree Camp]. Then, she’s IN camp. OY!
Thanks Patrick for the memoir. She was most certainly a beautiful feline. Being relatively new to the blog it was nice to get to know a former member of the Londolozi landscape. My son just 2 days ago having lost a feathered member of the family continuously reminds us the fragility of life and that we should always uphold there memory regardless of how fleeting the connection may have been.
Beautiful!
Hi Patrick, I remember the Plague rock female, she was such a joy to watch and always up to something. She loved the Marula trees and you just about bet seeing g her in the Marula tree. Her mother the Nkoveni female is my favorite female as is her mother the Mashaba female. What a legacy. So many beautiful photos of her and she loved lying on that beautiful rock as well. Thanks for reminding us what a stunning leopadess she was.
Thank you Patrick for this wonderful tribute to the Plaque Rock female. She truly was a special leopard and I will never forget the video footage of her playing with her cub shortly before she met her unfortunate death. She will be remembered by all of us who knew her. There are special leopards that are lost far before their expiration date and she was one of them….
Patrick, Thanks for the special remembrance of this beautiful leopard – and grand-daughter of Mashaba. We viewed her on multiple occasions over the years and she will be missed! Gorgeous images!