After a difficult couple of weeks for this pride they at long last managed to make a substantial kill, pulling down a large Buffalo cow not far from the Londolozi Camps. It was an absolute delight to see these lions with fat bellies after what can only be described as a nightmare period in their lives. In terms of lion dynamics the Tsalala Pride is a little bit confusing at the moment so I have decided to give a brief summary/breakdown of the current Tsalala Pride members.
Two Adult Lionesses
The two sisters whom have featured so prominently on the blog over the last year or so. They are the two girls who have remained loyal to Londolozi’s northern territory and have become widely known for their impressive hunting prowess. They are the same age, as they are from the same litter. One of these lionesses was recently involved in a terrible incident with hyenas and has now been left quite badly injured with a damaged and torn left hind leg and a ripped off tail. The second lioness is still in good shape. The short video included gives you a good idea about the current injury of the one lioness.
Four youngsters from the February litter
Of the four that were born roughly in February 2011, all four still remain. Three of these are females and one is a male. Their mother is the lioness who is still intact and is now the only adult lioness in the Tsalala Pride with a tail!
One youngster from the May litter
Of the four that were born on the 29th May 2011 only one remains…the little girl. Two of the males were killed in a buffalo stampede about 6 weeks ago and the third male was killed in the same hyena incident. The mother of the sole surviving ‘smallest’ cub was the one who was attacked by the hyena and is currently in a poor state of health.
The Original Tailless Female
Born in 1998 this heroic lioness has recently returned to her historical territory, reuniting with her two daughters and completing a marathon mating session with the Majingilane Males. Her guidance, leadership, experience and support is much needed at this time.
So the Tsalala Pride is sitting as eight lions at them moment…three adults and five youngsters. There is still however the strong possibility that the four sub-adult lionesses (aged roughly 3 years) from the ‘Breakaway Tsalala Pride‘ may soon follow suite and reunite with their mothers, enlarging the pride even more. They continue to be one of the most fascinating lion prides to follow, always providing us with new insights into lion behaviour.
The Original Tailless Female would have ben instrumental in killing this Buffalo cow - Adam Bannister
Written and filmed by Adam Bannister
Thanks Ad..
A periodic update like this is very beneficial. Was hoping you guys would post something like this.
Unbelievably, I awoke this morning wondering about them all, especially the ‘new’ tailless female and her cub! Specifically, if something happened to her (God forbid) would the other 2 adults care for her daughter? It appears, however, that she is healing and she appears fed. Perhaps staying near camp is a good deterrant to hyena attacks?
Please keep us posted…your updates are FABULOUS! 🙂
THANK YOU!
My worst fears have been realized. My friends and I were with Talley & Freddie and were the first to find and see the May cubs on an August drive. Fearlessly the four cubs approached our vehicle. We named the cub in the lead Shayne, after a fearless grandson in our family. Sadly, you have confirmed that he was killed in either of the two deadly incidents. I can only hope the little girl will survive, despite her poor sate of health. Thank you so much for keeping us informed. At least we have several photos of the Fab Four. The cycle of life can be very sad.
Thank you for the update and “history” of this pride. I didn’t realize the original tailless lioness was so old…about 14 years old now. Your blogs help tell the amazing stories of the animals’ lives and struggles that live there.
Thanks heaps for the update on this interesting pride. If the four young females join the older females it will make it the largest pride in Sabi Sands.
Wow- The bobtail cats!! I know of the Tsalala pride. Would the oldest one referred to in this pride be the one We Djuma Djunkies have come to know as B.B.??? I am so PROUD of the male cub gone 5 weeks-that survived!!!!!!! This pride is one to be sooo proud of!!!!! Truly this male cub (I BELIEVE will become “A FORCE to be reckoned with!!! I look forward to aging with this pride!!!!!!!!! Thank-you so much for letting us knoww!!!!!