This one started ordinarily enough. Wild dogs cruising through Londolozi and a torturous morning with the Three Rivers Female, just out of reach
The kind of week I’ve had a hundred times before.
And then word came through on the radio that one of the largest lions on this reserve had been found with some pretty serious injuries. I set off in the afternoon to go and play detective, the goal of trying to piece it all together. And if I am honest with you, I thought it would be pretty self-explanatory and would align perfectly with my theory. After a decent amount of time out here, you start to feel like you can read a situation pretty quickly.
Safe to say, I was wrong.
There are still parts of this story I can’t fully explain. There’s evidence that doesn’t quite add up. And the conclusion I eventually had to accept is one of those reminders that no matter how long you spend out here, the bush will keep finding ways to put you in your place.
There’s also a small but important update on the Xinkhova Female near the end of the episode. A standalone special edition is coming in the next few days, so stay tuned for that.
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Thanks , Sean, for this week’s video that tells us the stories of so many different animals, from the fact that this Female Leopard’s cubs are still alive, to the wild dogs, the lioness trying to hunt, the mysterious fight of male lions – a real who’s done it?- and ending on these wonderfully lighthearted and happy scenes of the White-fronted bee-eaters enjoying their sandbaths. Makes one feel happy and content.
I am looking forward to hearing more about the Xinkhova Female and hope that the blond Gijima Male will soon recover. By the way: Where does he get a meal from? Will his brother help him or the females of a pride? Or would he possibly be able to catch something for himself in this condition?
Thanks so much, Christa. We look forward to sharing more with you.
Hi Sean, I know it’s difficult to think that the Nkuhuma Breakaway male was able to inflict such wounds to the Gjima male (whom I’m sorry for!), but… more than often female take part in a minor way to the fight. I know she’s perfect (gorgeous! Like her brother, they have an absolutely beautiful head shape and eyes…. weren’tthey the Birmingham males offspring?) but they are two against one anyway. I’ll never forget lions coalitions in which the much smaller one alone was the most determined and ferocious fighter alone against other much bigger lions and hyena leaders, while the bigger, less aggressive one stayed behind. I think I never watched the Three Rivers female thatclose! She’s stunning. What happened to the Xinkova female…. I thought being her first litter, she already started in a very odd way… then she’ll learn. I hope she hasn’t lost her cubs … the bee eaters always give a touch of colourful show. Beautiful and rather sad video…
I guess the bush will keep us all guessing. We will share the news on Xinkhova soon.
Hello Sean, So interesting to follow, the nomadic male won over the bigger and dominant male… here comes a new one and he has nothing to lose! He seemed to be very strong also!
And the leapard mother… and the Bee-eaters and their sandbath was amazing!
I also thought it was very exciting when the female lion started to stalk the impala…
Thank you for a fantastic Virtual Safari!
When does the next ”What Bird is it?” come? 😃
Looking forward too it!
It is very interesting. The Next What Bird is it will come out next week.
Regardless of who inflicted the battle scars to the blonde Gijima male, this time he certainly didn’t walk away the victor given his injuries and demeanor. Whilst it could have been the Breakaway Nkuhuma male, by virtue of his cut lip and a few scratches, I would have thought the injuries would have been more extensive since the Gijima has more fighting experience and is much larger. So, could it possibly have been the Styx male who has been known to roam through that territory. Anyway, for now it’s the secret that will be kept by the bush. It was great that you were able to capture the Nkuhuma female in hunting mode, even if she wasn’t successful this time….. as well as watching the wild dogs on the move, their body language tense as they made their way in the early morning, likely in search of a meal. Thanks for including the little White Fronted Bee Eaters as they preened and frolicked in their dust bath, but I am concerned what your special post will be concerning Xinkhova. Just before leaving almost two weeks ago, with Nic M and Euce we discovered her den site not too far from camp. Quietly and from a safe distance, we listened to her call for her cubs and out they came tumbling from the thick vegetation. Those tiny fluff balls with massive blue eyes, stayed with her for only a few minutes before disappearing once again. Perhaps six weeks old, they are the smallest cubs I’ve ever seen and I hate to think the worst has happened, even though I know what will be, will be – it’s the way of nature.
No he didn’t. thankfully his injuries are only superficial. It could have been the Styx Male as well but he hasn’t been seen in that area before. I guess at this point we will never really know.
Hi Sean, wow that Gijima male really got beat up, but cannot believe it was the Nkuhuma male alone that did all that damage to the Gijima male. Well I suppose we won’t really now what happened in that altercation. As you say Sean the Plains Camp males where not near there do it is still a mystery. Loved to see the Blue wildbeast on the airstrip and to see the wild dogs again.
He did get a bit of a beating. But he will recover. Glad you enjoyed all the rest of that.
Hello Sean,
I didn’t quite understand what happened.
How and by whom was this powerful male lion attacked and injured?
(Sorry for my English, I’m a French-speaking Canadian)
We do not know for sure. All the evidence points to it being the Nkuhuma Break Away Male who inflicted these injuries to the Blonde Gijima Male but we are only assuming that from the evidence we have been able to put together.
Wow Sean! Unbelievable virtual safari!
I am on the edge of my seat waiting to hear more about the lion fight. It is incredible that the Gijima male was beaten up by the Nkahuma(sp)? Male. Being a nomadic lion means He has no partner/brother correct? So he would have been in that fight alone. Do we have to assume that the blond Gijima Male has always had his brother fighting alongside him in the past? And therefore the dark maned brother is the prize fighter between the two?
Also, I get confused because they were re-named as a pair. Where are the Talamati and the male that travels with him? And please remind me of their previous names, I saw them/have pictures of them before their names were rebranded into one.
Great work, I love watching your virtual safaris!!!!
Thank you so much. To be honest I can’t really explain what happened. It would have been logical to think that the Blonde Male should have won that fight and would have done so by himself. The injuries looked to have been inflicted by two different lions. The bush always keeps me guessing.
So sad… Who is he?
He is the Nkuhuma Break Away Male.
Thank you