When I was in the Klaserie drinking those drams of whisky with the Ross Pride of lions; I felt like there was something missing – and it wasn’t ice in my drink. While watching the pride relaxing in the thicket it became clear what was missing – the two dominant leaders, The Good and the Bad. These legends have apparently moved further up into northern territories, leaving behind a coalition of sub-adult males seemingly wanting to make their mark as future leaders. Are they exercising their natural instinct in wanting to rule a pride? Are they the reason the Good and the Bad have migrated north? Only time will tell ! We cannot confirm anything yet but there is plenty of interesting lion activity at Africa on Foot and nThambo. It appears there are other lions wanting the Ross Pride territory. Read on…
In recent weeks a trilogy of 3 males have been spotted in the Ross territory. They appear to have come over from the Kruger National Park. They have been seen marking their territory and exercising their vocal chords during the dead of the night which means they certainly have no intention of leaving. They want all and sundry to know they have arrived.
What will happen to the Ross pride? Will they be involved in a showdown? Who are these swashbuckling, sophisticated, golden-haired boys wanting to take over? Kevin Maclaughlin maintains that, although the trio is strong, the Good and the Bad are tough and can hold their own. Over the weekend there were suspicions that both the Good and the Bad had returned to re-unite with the pride.
Kevin says, “We had a herd of buffalo close to the camp and after all the guests went to bed; we heard 2 male lion roaring close to the buffalo. We woke up the guests and took them out around 11:00pm to try find them. We did catch a glimpse of a lion which we believe was the “Good”, and not too far away (unfortunately in another property) we heard another male lion calling out to the male we saw. If the lion we saw was the “Good” then the other lion call must have been from the “Bad”, otherwise there would have been some serious conflict. Another thing which makes us believe it was the Good and Bad is the fact that the Ross Pride started calling out to them from another property. They appeared to be heading closer to their position. If these males weren’t the Good and Bad, then the Ross pride would have kept quiet. This morning we saw the tracks of the Ross pride come through camp but were unable to locate them.”
Only time will tell if this was the legendary Good and Bad returning to claim their pride. Change for the Ross Pride could be upon us.
If that’s not enough we have another spanner in the works. There are now 4 lions who have crossed over into the Ross territory. Last night they took refuge at the Africa on Foot camp and hid behind the swimming pool.
Kevin said, “When we got back from the night drive we walked into these 4 lions. When myself and Faffa arrived, which was before morning coffee ( at about 05:10am), we found the Ross Pride sub-adult males growling at these two new younger males which were submissive and very nervous.” These 4 lions (2 females and 2 males) understand they are not welcome and want to remain hidden. They are desperate to find their way out of the Ross pride turf.
The next few days in and around camp is going to be a crucial time. How will these trilogy of imposters fit into the picture? Will these new lions eventually find their way out of the local area? And, ultimately, will there be a battle between the golden-hair trilogy and the rugged Good and the Bad?
Comment on this post and let us know what your predictions are for the future of the Ross pride.
Watch this space – or reserve a place at Africa on Foot and nThambo to watch history in the making.
These are two of the new males – part of the trilogy. Very strong and healthy looking; but are they tougher than the Good and the Bad?
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