Hearing over the radio from Alfie that he had found a Ndzhenga Male and two Ntsevu lionesses feeding on a wildebeest carcass. We get ourselves across there in anticipation of a bit of excitement as the lions feed on the carcass with the potential of internal conflict as they all try to get their fair share.
It is no surprise that the male dominates the carcass and keeps the females at bay with a bout of aggression in between his feeding. Allowing us to zoom in and admire the details and intricacies of a large impressive male lion. He then lashes out at a female that is trying to nibble on the edge of the carcass before picking the entire carcass up and walking off with it.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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Good work as usual Sean
Thank you, Jim.
I don’t know what you use as your primary video camera Sean, but the color and sharpness is phenomenal. In viewing the Ndhzenga male whilst eating, the details of his teeth were impressive, moving in perfect alignment during the process of separating meat from bone. I’ve just returned home from my South African adventure and already am missing the birds’ songs for a sunrise, the sunsets that leave an imprint in one’s memories and the never ending discoveries of various life in the bush – literally. It was a visit of many first sightings, after approximately 200 safari drives, just re-emphasizing the point that there’s always something new to see!
Thank you, Denise. The footage is super sharp and crisp with a lovely colour profile. I was fortunate to have the 600mm lens with me and so could zoom right in. Yes, I agree, there is always something new to see.
Hi Sean, shame I felt sorry for the females. They are hungry, but the male eats as much as he can ,which leaves nothing left for the females. I’m sure they respect him and even maybe a bit scared of him and at the same time know he is their protector and also he will be the father of their cubs.
The females were still hungry but I am sure that they would have got enough to eat.
Sean, Bravo on an awesome video! The closeups of the Ndzhenga male are incredible!
Thank you so much, Michael and Terri.
Great video Sean.
I agree with you that it is probably a bit of both: the higher aggression level of the male combined with the need for protection of the pride and especially its cubs. So the females give in and show some submission. But they still try to get their share of the food.
Thank you, Christa. It is probably a bit of both, but yes, as you say, they still try get in there to get a bit to eat.
Always great to see the Ndhzengas, even if it’s just one. I can’t identify which one he is though.
I hear that they have been having a little bother with the two Black Dam males, a MalaMala report says that one Ndhzenga male has minor injuries and tufts of mane were found near MalaMala camp. Please update on that if you hear anything.
I’m glad that the Black Dam males are further south, so hopefully Mohawk Avoca and S8 Imbali male don’t have to deal with them.
The closer female didn’t look that bothered at all, almost asleep on the carcass and then the Ndhzenga male just wanders off with the entire head and neck. You made a good point about the females perhaps not wanting to damage their protector.
It is always great to see a male lion. This was the bigger of the three Ndzhenga Males. I heard that they have had a scuffle with the Black Dam Males and that one is limping. Hopefully, he recovers.
I will try to get some footage and give an update on the status of the three males when I can.
You would think a wildebeest carcass would have enough food on it ..
You would think so, it was a young wildebeest and I am not too sure how hungry they all were before they brought it down.
That was an incredibly exciting and, in a way, intimate video of the Ndzhenga male lion and the Ntsevu lionesses. The whole “dance” between the male and the females around the wildebeest carcass was ultra fascinating. It is so interesting how the preferences played out in this instance, and your analysis regarding the females choosing to not fight in order to support the male’s ability to mate was very helpful!
Thank you so much, Paul. It was interesting to watch the dynamics unfold around this particular carcass.
fascinating virtual vitro of the lions. Thanks Sean.
Thank you, William.
I am always fascinated with the information you give us. I haven’t heard much about the lion cubs lately are they ok?
Thank you Sean for the amazing work you do for us at home!
Thank you so much, Barbie. I believe the cubs are ok, they have been spending a fair amount of time on Mala Mala. Hopefully, we have a good sighting of them soon.