In mid-2018 the Ntsevu Lion pride birthed a relatively large litter of cubs who were sired by the Birmingham Coalition. Fast forward almost four years where we see eleven of these growing sub-adult lions still roaming the plains of Londolozi. Of the eleven, five of these sub-adults (soon to be regarded as adult lionesses) are females and currently find themselves with a few of their mothers in the dominant Ntsevu Pride. However, in this blog I would like to focus on the six males of the Ntsevu “Breakaway” Pride and in which direction we think they are heading, where they find themselves, and the big question of “what’s next” for these brothers?
An image from 2018. These cubs have grown into the Ntsevu breakaways we see today. What a journey these young lions have had to go through, surviving against many life challenges.
With the arrival of the ‘new’ Ndhzenga Coalition in November 2021, the eleven Ntsevu sub adults found themselves in a very unstable position. The lot of them were chased away from their mothers in the southeastern parts of Londolozi and managed to find a temporary safety in the southwestern parts of the reserve.
The eleven Ntsevu sub-adults are all pictured together. One day, will all of these Lions meet again?
Over the past few months, as mentioned above, most of the sub-adult females have managed to re-join their mothers who have begun mating with the new gene pool. The young females are not yet ready to mate with the Ndzhenga Males, however, they have been seen in the company of the males already and it is only probably a matter of time before they do mate. As for the six young males, we still see them spread out amongst our grasslands in the vast southwest as well as venturing far north across the Sand River.
One of the Ntsevu Sub-adult Females has recently joined the adult lionesses in the dominant pride and looks up after a quick drink of water.
At this stage of these young male lions’ lives, we would refer to them as nomadic. With some physical growth and a level of maturity still needed in order to take over a pride for themselves. These six lions will “remain under the radar” for the next few months and try their best to avoid any serious conflict with dominant male lions. The nomadic phase of any male lion’s life is a very uncertain one.
The young lions begin to move around in search of any prey all the while avoiding any conflict with the large prides or dominant males. Being driven by hunger and the movement of their prey can lead them into deadly situations should they come into contact with the Ndzhenga Males. Interestingly with these six males, we are seeing them split up into groups of three. Why they are splitting up is unknown to us, it could be that they are being chased and split by other lions or they could be just shifting apart from each other due to the slight age difference between them.
Three of the Ntsevu young male lions rest on the Londolozi airstrip. These young males have some growing to do before they can dominate adult male lions. A male lion’s mane is an important part of his dominance. Often a larger mane can influence the level of dominance over another male lion.
The up and coming months are going to be extremely exciting for us at Londolozi with the viewing of the Ntsevu Sub-adult Males. If these lions remain at Londolozi for the next year or so I personally believe they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. This will require them to sneak beneath the radar for a little while longer, allowing them to grow in size, gain confidence and become more dominant. With each passing week, these six young males could eventually become a formidable dominant coalition of the future. The big question is, are all six of them going to re-join and slowly become a strong coalition together? Or are they going to recede and look for territory elsewhere?
One of the younger Ntsevu Sub-adult Males. In the group of six, four of the young males are similar sized, and the other two seem to be a few weeks younger. Is this a reason why they may be splitting up?
Isa these lions when they were still little cubs and also last year when they had already become sub adults. It is really interesting to follow their fate. What will become of them?
What do you think, how many pride of lions or different coalitions can Londolozi support? Will the ones who have to go probably leave in the direction of the Krüger Park?
Hi Christa.
It is very interesting indeed. The amazing fact is that no one can be certain what will happen. Londolozi is capable of holding more than one dominant coalition, however due to the behaviour of dominant male lions it is likely they’ll have a run in with each other..
I am excited at the idea of a new lion coalition right in Londolozi. These young males look handsome like their fathers the Birmingham males. Perhaps they may become a huge powerful force to be reckoned with, like Mapogo or Majingilane… if they manage to stay alive and don’t split. How many lionesses form the Ntsevu pride now?
Hi Francesca,
All six adult lionesses (born 2013) are still alive, three of the ‘sub adult females have joined with their mothers.
The progression of this sub0group has been amazing as is the fact that you’ve been able to monitor it.
There are actually 12 sub adults. 6 males and 6 females. 10 of the 12 were born in 2018 and 2 were born in 2019. There is a monthly difference between the four litters born in 2018. There are 2 older males from two seperate litters and 3 males born into one litter. There is one male and one female born in 2019. 3 of the 6 females are back with the pride whilst the other 3 stays with their brothers.
Amazing stuff. Thank’s
Hi Dan, great article! Will be interesting to see where they might end up! Not sure if all six have been seen since this, but on May 10 two of the males were seen south of the Sabi Sands near Phabeni according to the Kruger Latest Sightings post; also three of the males had been seen further north in the Sabi Sands as well.
Dan thanks for this update on the Ntsevu male lions as they negotiate there lives at Londolozi. Keep us informed, it will be fascinating to follow them for the nest several years.
Terrific update Dan! I’m looking forward to seeing how the Ntsevu males deal with the invaders in their home territory, and if they remain 6 strong they could really challenge the Ndhzenga team, since two are quite wounded at this time. I realize they’re young and inexperienced in the ways of leadership, but as you stated, staying under the easer could definitely work to their advantage! Thank you!!
We will watch with interest. As an aside , what has happened to the other “ under the radar “ lioness the Tsala Lioness
Hi Ian,
She had been seen quite often a few weeks ago. Unfortunately we haven’t see the young Tsalala lioness in about three weeks now.
It will be interesting to watch this group to see what ultimately happens. Would it not be strange for them to stick around so close to their mothers? They obviously don’t want to mate with their relatives.
What beautiful male lions they have become. We know now there father was one of the Birmingham male lions , leaves them with good genes. The Ntsevu young no Mads have a while to go before they can take over.
Dan, Thanks for the update! We are thrilled that the young males are doing so well. We hope to see them become a strong (and young) coalition! Would they ever mate with their female siblings?