Of late we have been receiving lots of comments and emails requesting information on the remaining Sparta orphan. This is the 8 month old lioness whose mother died 2 months ago and whose sister was killed a few weeks later. Sadly, we do not have much information at this time to give you. I can confirm that the last five times the Sparta Pride have been seen all together, the small lioness has not been with them. Ever since the death of her sister, some weeks ago, she was seen sticking to the other Sparta cubs. It appears that this is not the case now.
The three small cubs are still being seen every once in a while, but they are usually alone or in the presence of their mother; not with the orphan. This suggests that the orphan may have passed. It is however, too early for us to declare this with any certainty. We are reminded, time and time again, that lions are very resilient and are able to handle numerous hurdles and curve balls.
So the question we are all asking is this: Where is the Sparta Orphan? Whilst it is improbable, it is not impossible, that the little orphan is fending for itself! We certainly hope so…
Dated the 18th June 2012 – this is the last picture I managed to take of the orphaned lion cub. Here she walks away, fat bellied, after feeding happily with her pride members on the remains of a wildebeest.
Written by Adam Bannister
🙁 Let’s hope for a sighting of her.
Fingers and toes crossed!!
Thanks for keeping us updated Adam.
Hope she makes it ok. But I guess the bush is a tough place.
my heart is heavy but my hopes are high !
Adam – I was in your landrover the misty morning in May when these two orphans were found again with the Pride, your consternation at having just pronounced them ‘probably’ dead on this blog was of course only a blip in the joy you shared with us. While I cannot say I am happy to hear this new update, I am hooked on this blog and do truly appreciate that you share it all. The painful, the heartbreaking and the amazingly glorious. These are all parts of life and it all brings us closer to Londolozi….
Be well sweet baby…
Adam lets hope she survives – thank you for the blog and the updates – lets hope!!
It’s a circle, isn’t it. Six months ago it was the Tsalalas having all the misfortune…now it’s the Spartas. Very sad the youngest pay the price. Perhaps this one will show up, as a surprise…..perhaps Sunday?! 🙂 That would be a good present!!