The story of the Tsalala Female has always been one of quiet resilience—a lone lioness navigating the challenges of a life without the support of a larger pride, carving out a legacy for herself and her young. Recently, her journey through motherhood took another tragic turn. As she spends most of her time beyond Londolozi’s borders, it has been difficult to uncover the full story. However, reports from our neighbours confirm that she has lost the cubs she fought so fiercely to protect.
With heavy hearts, we share that the Tsalala Female has lost all three of her cubs.
The Tsalala Female has been dealt a difficult hand from the start, mirroring the challenges faced by her mother, who also raised her first litter alone after the other lionesses in the pride died. Despite this, in recent months, the Tsalala Female was spotted nurturing her cubs with care, despite the looming dangers in her territory. She had already suffered the loss of one cub during a fierce confrontation with nomadic males (covered by Sean Zederberg), a heartbreaking reminder of the relentless challenges she faces. But even as October gave way to November, hopes remained that her remaining cubs might survive to carry on the Tsalala legacy.
Unfortunately, territory dynamics have only grown more complex. With the Kambula Males (Ntsevu breakaway Males) gaining strength and expanding their reach, they are poised to challenge the Plains Camp Males for dominance in the north. This mounting tension has cast an unsettling shadow over the prides linked to the Plains Camp males, including the Tsalala Female. While the Plains Camp duo continues to thrive, patrolling a vast territory and spending time with their associated prides, the shift in power dynamics has created an uncertain environment.
Tragically, it was in this turmoil that the Tsalala Female lost her remaining cubs. First, only one cub was missing, and she was seen desperately searching with the two others at her side. But just a few days later, after an altercation with the Ximugwe Pride close to the area in which she has been keeping her cubs: she was spotted again, bloodied, and this time calling out alone—her remaining cubs nowhere to be found. Reports from our neighbours indicate that both Plains Camp Males have visited the Tsalala Female and her cubs in the past without aggression, ruling them out as the cause of this heartbreak.
![Tsalala Lioness Sitting Ximpalapala Koppie [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14134209/Tsalala-Lioness-Sitting-Ximpalapala-Koppie-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
As we struggle to piece together the mystery of what really happened, the reality settles in, her cubs are gone, and the Tsalala Female is left to face her solitary path once more. Each cub represented hope for the future of her bloodline, especially the females who would have carried forward the Tsalala name. For a lioness who has already endured so much, this loss is a profound blow, felt not only by her but by all who have followed her story.
Yet, even in the face of such tragedy, there remains a glimmer of strength. The Tsalala Female embodies resilience, carrying forward the legacy of her mother, who raised her alone under similarly unforgiving circumstances. Her path is a testament to survival against all odds, and her spirit continues to inspire.
As we watch her journey unfold, we are reminded of nature’s unpredictability, its beauty intertwined with moments of profound sadness. For now, we honour her strength, knowing that though the Tsalala cubs may be gone, their story—and the legacy of the Tsalala Female—endures.
What awful news – a very sad day – we all had so much hope………
My heart breaks for this mother who has lost so much. May the days ahead bring her healing, comfort and peace.
Hi Keagan, yesterday I watched a video resuming the lion dynamics, included the ones you mentioned. They said that all cubs were gone and the Tsalala female was bleeding not only in her body, calling desperately for her cubs. It reminds a documentary by Derek and Beverly Joubert, with Ma DI Tau as the lone lioness. At the end she managed to find and save her last cub. I hoped the same happened to her. It is unlikely that the Plain Camp males killed them. And, yes, those lions moves are a great risk, but they aren’t the only animals able to kill cubs of a lone lioness, even if she’s spectacularly strong and intelligent as she is…
She is already mating with the Plains Camp males again. Hopefully,she has a better time of it next time. Most lionesses lose their first litter. For an only lioness,the odds are greatly against her. We hope that she can rejuvenate the Tsalala pride.
Oh, so sad, especially for you guys as she’s such a legend.
Very sad to hear this.
Keagan, This is devastating news and so sad for her. We know she is resilient and will try again!
Keagan, such a sad story today. I only hope that she continues to survive and thrive in the future.
Such hope & joy lost in a minute…
Absolutely heartbreaking 💔
……and then there were none. I know I’m joining everyone who has followed the Tsalala pride, feeling absolutely devastated, when in spite of her trying to protect her little cubs, the reality of the lion dynamics ultimately triumphed, leaving her alone one again. What else can be said? My heart is heavy but I know she is resilient and hopefully she will fall pregnant once again and raise her cubs to carry on the Tsalala lineage.
Hello, Agatha Christie is perfect for that moment! If the former Breakaway males manage to rule, I hope she will mate with them, either the Plain Camp males or the new arrivals are very strong and hopefully will take care of their family.
I am so terribly sad for the Tsalala lioness’. It is indeed a tragedy that all three of these wonderful little cubs have been killed. So sad! Makes me cry.
I do hope that she will have more luck in the future. She has really endured so much in her life that there must be some hope on the horizon for her future and future cubs of hers.
It is tragically sad but I am still glad that you are telling the community her story.
Indeed, a profound blow. But she will carry on. She is the first lion I saw on my premiere trip to Londolozi. Good luck for the future Tsalala female.
Such sad news.
Her lonely life continues, as she goes forward
Nature is a cruel master .
This is such heartbreaking news. She has been through so much hardships and then growing up all alone, just to have her 3 cubs killed by other male lions are devastating for her. Not to talk about the Tsalala lineage know not possible this time. She must be so heartbroken, because I am sick to my stomach for her part. Thanks for the heartbreaking news.
This is T O O sad!! She is resilient but her choice of mate(s) may need to change in the future as the Plain Camp males haven’t proven to be strong protectors. Too large a territory?
That is heartbreaking news, we were full of so much hope for her and her cubs. I hope she can raise another litter to maturity in the future.
Horrible. I want to take her pain away.
Thanks Keagan for the update. Let’s hope for her quick recovery. No matter how close we are to nature, humans often feel resistant to moving forward when faced with challenges on our path. I certainly can relate. However I have no doubt that the Tsalala female will be back on her path very soon. She is truly an inspiration to all of us.
Very sad and tragic end of little babies, which brings tears to my eyes. I am so rooting for Princess Tsalala, and I hope she recovers quickly. All my hopes are with her🙏🏻❤️🩹
So very sad, the news you shared here Keagan, of the Tsalala female losing her cubs. I am hoping she mates soon, hopefully with the strongest coalition, so that she can continue the brave and courageous Tsalala lineage.
Like so many others I hoped against the obvious odds that this beautiful resilient girl would find her way through the turmoil of other lion coalitions. I am so saddened to hear this awful news but nature can be brutal and we have to accept this latest blow to her existence.
Such tragic news as well all had so much hope for this beautiful lioness. It’s not surprising given all the activity lately. Let’s hope the lion dynamics stabilize in the near future and she’s able to have another litter with more success. Perhaps this was a good practice round for her. 🤞
I hope she is successful in her next efforts…may her legacy and lineage be preserved. I love that she represents
hope, and hopefully, that hope will prevail and produce a new litter protected against the odds and preserved until adulthood. May it be so…Thank you.
OH! I forgot to ask, what is her age now?
After all the excitement of Tsalala Female having cubs. Following every bit of news ,about the newborns. I’m so very sad to hear the news ,that she has lost all her cubs. She’s been so inspirational,with her own background. I m feeling like she is fighting such an uphill battle. BUT. She has shown to be strong , determined and destined to extend the Tsalala line. Let’s hope. She’ll find a strong male,or coalition of males ,to give her the support and protection she needs.