For weeks, we had been anticipating this moment. Ever since we first saw signs that the Xinzele Female had been spending time around Ximpalapala Koppie, we suspected she had cubs. But despite our patience and persistence, we had not yet caught even a glimpse of them.
Northern territory specialist born 2017. Successfully raised the Thumbela Female while establishing dominance in NW Marthly's dramatic lands
About a month ago, the first major clue appeared— the Xinzele Female’s tracks were accompanied by two sets of much smaller tracks, heading west onto the neighbouring reserve. Soon after, reports confirmed that she had been seen with two cubs. This news only fueled our excitement; it was just a matter of time before she would bring them back onto Londolozi soil and grant us the privilege of witnessing her new litter.
During the time spent on our western neighbours, we believe she sadly lost one of her two cubs at only about three months old. Being one of my favourite leopards in the northern sector of the reserve, I spent many drives patrolling the northwest, hoping for any sign of her return. But luck was not yet on our side.
That is, until one unforgettable afternoon when it all changed.
Our focus that morning had been on tracking a pack of wild dogs in the north when Ranger and Tracker team Keagan and Freddie called in fresh leopard tracks. Initially, the tracks suggested a lone female, but a little further down the road, a much smaller set of tracks joined hers. A mother and her cub.
As the story began to unfold in my mind, the pieces fell into place. The Xinzele Female had likely made a kill, stashed it somewhere safe, and then returned to fetch her cub. The tracks now led in the direction of her kill site.
NM Xinzele Female Leopard
Xinzele Female stops to scan the area ahead while on a territorial patrol
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While we were still in pursuit of the wild dogs, another call came through on the radio: Xinzele and her cub had been found. She lay sprawled in a jackalberry tree, an impala kill draped over the branches above her.
I knew immediately what our plan for the afternoon drive would be. Excitement buzzed through the vehicle as I shared the news with my guests. The possibility of seeing the cub for the first time filled us with eager anticipation as we set off on our afternoon drive. There were risks with this plan, of course. The cub could have dropped the kill, allowing hyenas to steal it, or a male leopard—whose fresh tracks had also been found in the area—could have chased them off. And there was also the challenge of approaching cautiously, as the cub was reportedly quite skittish.
As we neared the site, we slowed down, inching forward carefully. And then, there it was. Two impala legs hung from the lower branches of a large jackalberry tree. Our eyes followed the line of the branch upward, and there, in all her glory, lay the Xinzele Female, draped across a thick branch, utterly relaxed and full-bellied.
Yet we were searching for more. We scanned the surroundings eagerly—where was the cub?
We searched the base of the tree, the long grass, the surrounding thickets. Nothing. Assuming it was hidden from us, we sat in silence, hoping to hear even the faintest rustle in the grass or a small, nervous cry for its mother.
Then, about twenty meters away, near another tree, the sharp alarm calls of starlings broke the silence. A possible clue. We looped to get a clearer view. Tracker Sersant suddenly whispered, “Stop. Hand me your binoculars.” That was always a good sign. I scanned in the direction of his gaze, my heart pounding. And there it was—something small and tentative moving along a high branch. The cub.
We sat exactly where we were, binoculars passing from hand to hand, taking in the sight of this little one. Though cautious, it was undeniably curious, watching us closely as it moved along the branch.
As time passed, it found a safe nook in the V of the tree, its two front paws and head peeking out as it studied us. We gave it time, allowing it to grow more comfortable in our presence. Gradually, it did just that—stretching, shifting positions, and revealing a gloriously full belly, evidence of a recent meal from its mother’s hard-earned kill.
It was still learning, still figuring out the balance and dexterity required to find a comfortable branch to rest upon with a full stomach. Each awkward movement only made the moment more endearing.
As the sun began its descent, golden light bathed the cub’s coat, illuminating its rosettes in a warm glow. We sat in awe, knowing that we were witnessing some of the first moments of its introduction to the world—a world filled with both wonder and danger.
This was just the beginning. With luck, we will have the privilege of watching the Xinzele Female guide her cub through the trials and triumphs of life in the wild. And perhaps, if fate allows, this will be the first of many magical encounters with this young leopard as it grows, thrives, and one day, claims its place in the wilderness of Londolozi.
Wonderful news. Always nice to have new edition to the leopard families. Let’s hope. We’ll see much more of the cub, growing up.
Great storytelling, Megan! Welcome to Londolozi little one.
How precious is that little cub.. So amazing to see this. Thank you.
Hi Megan, the Xinzele female comes from a different bloodline than the Royal (Ndzanzeni) or Sunsetbend(Mashaba) … her cub is absolutely the top, with her huge surprised eyes, tiny muzzle and big round ears… her fur looks slightly a bit longer or am I wrong? It’s such a luck you found them, hopefully they will keep a low profile so that the cub has more chances to survive… it’s sad that there’s always a cub missing in almost all denning and so rare to bring two to independence. This little beauty has all our best wishes for the future! Is her father always the Maxim male?
What a huggable little cub! She/he looks to be all ears! I enjoyed watching the antics of ‘sister’ Thumbela and look forward to seeing this new little one too.
What a beautiful sighting, Megan. Such a cute little cub!
Let’s hope that it will thrive and grow and with her mother’s help avoid the serious dangers the surrounding poses.
Fantastic news Megan to learn Xinzele has a cub one again. It is tragic that she lost one but to raise two cubs is definitely not an easy task for a leopard mom. The cub is adorable but then all leopards have cuteness in common.
It was terrific to see you a couple of weeks ago and I will get those photos off to you as soon as I recover from my jet lag – just arrived home the 9th…..
Hi Megan. So glad you found the Xinzele leopard female and her cub. Precious little cub and we can only hope and pray it will grow up to be a beautiful leopard. Presumably the father is the big Maxim’s male.
Fabulous photos of the Xinzele cub
Lovely ! So hope to see them during my upcoming trip!!
Oh my goodness, the teeny little fuzzy spots!