This week we finally got to see something I’ve been waiting to see for a while.
The Kambula Pride and the two Gijima Males, out in the open together with their eight cubs. The first time I’ve laid eyes on them, the first time we’ve been able to share them in the virtual safari properly. After everything the Gijima Males have been through over the last few months, seeing them resting in the open while eight of their offspring tumbled around nearby felt like the right kind of week.
We finished at Finfoot Crossing with a herd of elephants who had no intention of going anywhere quickly, and one young calf who stole the show.
A good week out here. Press play. Come along for the ride.
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Thanks for this lovely video on Lion cubs and Elephants, Sean. The young elephant is enjoying itself so much in all this sand, mud and water. Such a pleasure to watch.
One can also see that there is still a lot of water flowing in the river.
The young elephant was having the best time running around at Finfoot. Such a joy watching him. Yes, there is still a lot of water flowing in the Sand River.
A really special lion cub sighting especially after all that went before, and ellies timeless. Great week indeed
Thanks, Dad. Not a bad way to spend a week.
Thank you Sean, it was lovely to watch those super cute lion cubs and the ellies down by the river.
Regarding those binoculars, I was quite keen on buying a pair until I saw the price – I guess the usefulness of a lifetime guarantee rather depends on how old you are! But can you rent them from your studio?
The lions and ellies were super cute this week. Yes, that is a very valid point. I am hoping to still be using my new ones in 38 years time, however, for some others that might not be possible. As it stands, we do not have any of the new CL Companions available to rent in the studio. But we are working on that.
Thank you for another wonderful Safari. Can you give an update on the wild dog pack with the 5 pregnant females please
You are most welcome. From what I had herd last, they had all given birth, but whether the alpha had accepted all the other females’ pups, I am not too sure. I will try find out and get back to you.
Glorious video. Thank you so much.
I loved the day at the Spa for the elephant family.
Are you still using a Go Pro? If so, which one would you recommend?
It seemed like the latest mud therapy does wonders, rejuvenating some say!
Yes, I still use a GoPro on the odd occasion, I have the GoPro 10 Black. But another one worth considering and which I use a bit more than the GoPro, is the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. It is also great.
Hi Sean, this was such a stunning video watching the Gijima males and two lionessess and the eight gorgeous cubs all together. Cubs are so cute and I think a handful. 🐘 Elephants there in the water, mud and sand is there relieve from insects. Little calf absolutely gorgeous and full of energy. Quite an attitude the little calf, but so cute.
Thank you so much, Valmai. All round, I think it was a great week.
Lovely video this morning Sean. I loved the lion cubs’ low snarling as they suckled, along with the baby elephant’s exploration and play. Instead of trying the mud bath, the little one seemed content with exploring using the trunk. What a beautiful moment
Thank you so much, Camilla. The cubs are so cute and entertaining. And for the little elephant, it looked like he wanted to try the mud then had better ideas and would rather go roll around in the sand.
Do you by chance know why the male lion is limping? It appears to be his left rear leg but I don’t see any wounds. Thanks, I love these videos and stories
Hi Dan, thanks for your concern. He has been limping for a while now. I believe he initially started limping after an altercation with the Nkuhlu Males a while ago. However, my presumption is that the current limp is from arthritis or something of the sorts in his back left hip or knee. The limp seems more severe as soon as he stands up after a period of rest, but with more time and movement it appears to loosen up and the limp is not as severe.
It was great to see the two Kambula lionesses with their eight cubs, especially after their previous litters were lost to the Gijimas. These little ones have a long road ahead of them but as long as their fathers are around to protect them, they have a good chance of growing to adulthood. But as always, it’s the elephants that capture my heart, especially the calves who are still coming to terms with how they fit into their herd and the wildness that surrounds them. Thanks for a calming yet entertaining virtual safari Sean.
You are most welcome, Denise. I am glad you enjoyed this one. The little lion cubs have got a long road ahead, but one I think they will handle well if their fathers are still around. Young elephants are always amazing to watch.
One of those males looks quite sore when he gets up and walks. Do you know what’s going on there?
Yes, he has got a limp on one of his back legs. It started a while ago after a fight, but I think it now it looks more like arthritis. After he starts moving around it seems to ease up a bit and the limp lessens.