Mother Nature rarely offers neat conclusions, but every so often, the wild delivers something that defies expectation.
All week, I’ve been turning over how to follow up on last episode’s sombre news of the Ximungwe Female’s injury, and the deep uncertainty surrounding her future, and that of her cub. I’d been hoping for any thread of optimism… and then, the bush gave us a story that none of us saw coming.
A few afternoons ago, deep in the Totowa drainage, Nick found two leopards—Ximungwe and Nkoveni—mere metres apart. In most circumstances, such an encounter would spark aggression. But not this time. There was no snarl, no rush. Just a silent standoff of proximity. We suspect Ximungwe was well aware of her rival but, injured and vulnerable, had no choice but to keep her distance. Perhaps Nkoveni never even knew how close Ximungwe truly was.
After a short while, the two drifted apart. We stayed with the Ximungwe Female into the fading light, hoping she might hunt. No such luck. But the next morning brought signs of something extraordinary: a drag mark from a hyena and tracks that told us she’d been following. We got down on foot to investigate.
And there she was—watching us from behind some boulders in the distance. Now settled back in the vehicle and watching her, she began contact calling. At first, we thought we were mistaken. But moments later, a tiny shape burst from the grass—her cub, very much alive.
To say we were stunned is an understatement. After nearly two weeks with a severely compromised front leg, this mother had not only survived but somehow kept her cub alive, fed, and in good condition.
What followed was nothing short of magical. The pair reunited in golden morning light, climbing a tree, drinking at a waterhole, moving about with a little less grace than a leopard usually possesses.
But no, this does not mean they’re in the clear. The odds remain steep. But for now, they are together. Alive. And managing this rocky road.
Enjoy this week’s Virtual Safari.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
To Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, click here.
So relieved to watch and read this post! I have been thinking of them both after hearing the bad news. I had such wonderful sightings of them with Jess and Advise in late April, so they have fast become my favourite leopards! Back then she managed to steal a kudu kill from a cheetah, and much as I feel sorry for the cheetah, in this case I hope she will be able to steal a couple more over the next few months while her paw heals. If hopefully all ends well, it will be interesting to see if she remains full use of her paw or if her injury will leave her with a permanent affliction. Thanks for sharing!
Sooooo happy to get this great news!
Keeping them both in my prayers… think about them every day… may their good luck continue and there love and strength keep them safe & strong…❤️
Lovely to see the joy in your eyes this morning! Despite the circumstances, they both look surprisingly alert and in good condition. Nature has provided again taking care of these two. They have such a special bond Ximungwe and her cub, I hope they have the protection they deserve on the road to her full recovery.
Thank you, Camilla. Their bond truly is something special. Nature never stops reminding us how resilient life can be.
Thanks for sharing Sean. I Definitely feel great relief, but still so sad. She is so badly injured. I know you don’t interfere with the animals. But I so desperately wish you could give them some meat to help tide them over until she heals.
I was at Singita many years ago, 2009, and they had rescued and raised 2 orphaned leopards and then released them. They were doing well, we found and watched them one day, at 5 years old at that point. Is this not done anymore? I have been thinking that if Ximungwe dies, is there any chance you would tranq, catch, feed the cub then release it? Do you know anything about what Singita did back then?
I have been very sad ever since you found Ximungwe with a broken leg, thankyou for the glimmer of hope this morning. Please give her a few steaks from me!!!!
Thanks so much for your heartfelt words, Belle. I understand the emotion completely. As hard as it is, we place our trust in nature’s way—she’s surprised us before, and I’m hopeful she’ll do it again.
Hi Sean, wheres I hoped she may get through all her troubles, I honestly had do many doubts on her cubs, and I’m over the hills as I was wrong! The most interesting part to me, as observing animals behaviour, is her encounter with her sister, the Nkoveni Female. I has hypothesed that, virtually, leopards when relatives may tolerate each other or even, in rare cases, helping each other. This is due to dna connection mostly, which is the prime reason for all living beings acting the way they act. It is proved that, even after many years or never met in life, related individuals may recognise each other. The Nkoveni Female is a fierce fighter and doesn’t tolerate any intruder or mistake, as we have seen…. it seems unlikely that she didn’t notice her sister in such conditions. This may – with extreme caution thoughts- explain partially the successful growth and health of the cub. That said, the arid time allows her to feed more easily, especially water creatures or the weak that depends on water. Leopards are excellent fishers, and fish are in a desperate situation now…. also other animals that she may easily catch even with a front severe fracture like that. To this point I rejoice everyone ‘s happiness and relief and hope for the best! Thank you for these fantastic news!
You raise such a fascinating point, Francesca. There’s still so much we don’t fully understand about these complex relationships, but moments like this make you wonder. It’s a privilege to witness.
Sorry there are many errors of typing as my corrector doesn’t accept to write properly!
No worries at all! The message came through perfectly, and your passion for wildlife is always appreciated.
This is the best news! I’m so happy to hear they are both still alive and well enough, all things considered. It was great to see her moving around so much, and with what appears to be a little less discomfort, or perhaps just more ease now that she’s gotten the limping down. I’ll continue to send them love and healing vibes. They’re both going to need it.
Thank you, Chelsea. I agree—it’s been incredible to see her adjust. We’ll keep hoping and watching closely, and I know they’ll feel the good energy coming their way.
What wonderful news. Amazing how surprising nature can be. I could feel your relief and joy when you saw that she most likely fed at least a little on the kill and that the cub was alive and well
Thanks, Irene. That moment really did lift our spirits. Nature finds a way to surprise us just when we need it most.
So relieved to hear… thanks for the update
So glad to hear that, Karen. We’ll keep the updates coming and hope the next one brings even more good news.
I just dint understand hiw you can let those 2 leopards go hungry. I’m very disappointed in Londolozi.
Thanks for sharing your concern, Tammy. I completely understand how hard it is to watch. At Londolozi, we follow a strict no-interference policy to ensure nature unfolds as it should. It’s never easy—but it’s what allows wild animals to remain truly wild. We’re all hoping the Ximungwe Female continues to defy the odds.
Wow, incredible and very welcome news Sean! Thanks so much for this update, and rooting for them going forward while she heals!
Thanks, Paul. It’s been a journey of emotions—so grateful to be able to share it with you all.
That’s incredible, Sean. As you say, still a rocky road ahead, but to see her cub not just alive but looking healthy is truly wonderful. Ximungwe’s resilience is amazing, let’s all keep our fingers crossed for them!
Thank you, Suzanne. Her strength has been incredible to witness, and we’ll keep holding onto hope as the days unfold.
Oh, Sean! Thank you for this! Best news all week! I am cheering them both on! 🙏🙏
Thank you so much! It’s meant the world to share this moment. We’re rooting for them right alongside you.
Beautiful and heartwarming Sean! Thank you for a positive experience with Ximungwe – we were worried! She is amazing and seemingly very resilient. We hope to see her on our upcoming visit – just days away!
Thanks, Michael! It was such a joy to witness. I hope you get to see her soon—she truly is remarkable.
Hi Sean, I am very relieved to see the Ximungwe female and her cub reunited again. They look as if they have eaten something, just as long as it can sustain them both for a little while, until the Ximungwe females leg can heal completely. She is a fighter and she wants to get better and raise her cub to independence. Mother nature delivers once again when necessary. So glad there was no confrontation between her and Nkoveni.
Thank you, Valmai. I share your hope—she truly is a fighter. It’s amazing what a mother’s instinct and nature’s timing can do.
Dear Sean, what for wonderful news for the moment, great that she managed it until now. And more than heartbreaking.
Thanks so much, Jutta. It’s a huge relief for now, and yes—deeply emotional to witness.
What an absolutely wonderful surprise, Sean!
I am sooo happy and relieved that the two leopards have made it so far, mother and cub alive and quite well.
Thank you very much for this fantastic news. As you said: there are so many surprises in the bush and I hope for the Ximungwe and her cub that they will definitely make it and not encounter any lions or any other grave danger in the near future.
Thank you, Christa. The bush always finds a way to surprise us, and we’re grateful for this moment. Hoping for continued strength and safety for them both.
I can’t stop smiling this morning after watching your virtual safari. In my heart and soul I knew if any leopard could survive such an extreme leg injury, it would be Ximungwe, given her physical condition and experience. I wasn’t as confident that her cub would survive but then, as we know, the bush is full of secrets – was her cub hiding nearby at the time of her accident, was she contact calling wherever she ended up resting???? We will never know, but watching her young son engage with her, left me with the feeling that he was more affectionate than usual…..
More curious was that Nkoveni was so close to Ximungwe, as though she realized her “sister” was in trouble. Could she have made a kill and shared it, only to have the hyena steal it away later? Many questions, theories, suppositions but all that matters for now is that she is still alive and caring for her cub as best she can. Fingers crossed we will continue to see these two interacting with one another as she heals and her cub continues to grow.
Beautifully said, Denise. So many unknowns, but what a gift to witness this reunion. Whatever’s unfolded behind the scenes, it’s clear their bond is strong—and that’s what gives me hope.
Astonishing! I just want to go put a nice splint on that leg! Looks like she fractured the bones of her foreleg (like our arm…you can see the leg bow just a bit when she puts pressure on it…..ouch!)) and just needs time and rest….alas, no rest for the weary in the wild and not with a baby to feed and protect. The injury does look relatively “simple”…..ie not the joint, but whether she can pull this off and recover well enough will be a miracle. And her cubbie is clearly hungry and badgering mom to get something to eat…..hopefully they can just manage a few more weeks!
SUCH GREAT NEWS!!! She seems to getting around better…still obvious break? Does it seem less swollen to you guys?
She is managing to get around pretty well. It is definitely less swollen but it bows a bit when she puts weight on it so making me believe more and more that it is broken. But then again, I am no expert in the medical/veterinary world.
I’m so relieved that Ximungwe and her cub are alive and well. I have stunning photos of her from 2024. Great article Sean. See you in August 2025 🙏