A lone male lion with endless golden locks and a powerful beast of a body was seen patrolling the arid landscape around Tuskers Bush Camp. He was swaggering his way along the road en route to the pan – probably to replenish his thirst. We know this because the camera trap photographed him in the dead of night. Jessica sheds some light on the events subsequent to this grand moment.
Last week, the big reveal was the photo of the statuesque male caught on camera. We had hoped that things would escalate and we’d hear reports of other lions in the area. When Jessica sent us the photos, we were very eager to determine “who’s who in the zoo”. Our hopes became not just a pipe dream but cemented in reality. Jessica was actually en route to set up another camera trap in a similar area and, together with Pamela and Christiaan, they came face to face with a small, loosely formed pride of lions. She sent in the below report and is determined to uncover the mystery of the Tuskers Bush Camp lions!
We now have confirmation that there are four lions in the immediate area and one large male. Two males and two females were seen over the weekend in the vicinity of the partially filled pan. One lioness appears to be quite a bit older than the rest – at least 4/5 years old and there’s speculation that she is the mother of at least two lions.
Could the proud looking male from the camera trap have sired the cubs with this female?
This older lioness was accompanied by a sub-adult male, at least 18 – 20 months old. Pamela, Christiaan and Jessica worked tirelessly to try identify the age of the lions. Biologically, what we do know is that when lions reach the age of three, they are ousted from the pride and expected to fend for themselves. They often form coalitions with other young males and keep a low profile until the age of five when they reach sexual maturity.
After the age of five, young male lions seek out females and prides to take over. Females tend to stay in their maternal pride for life, unless the pride splinters or they split off. If this happens, they aren’t accepted by a pride that’s not related to them. The world of lions is ruthless, cliquey and family-orientated!
It is clear that this young male on the Tuskers Bush Camp traverse was still tied to the “apron strings” – so to speak; indicating that he’s not quite three yet. This sub-adult appears confident and curious. He sauntered out from his hiding place in the thickets and lay on the road, observing us.
His belly appeared full from a recent kill, which would make sense as to why the pride was close to the pan – to replenish their thirst after a big feast.
Jessica says, “Before we came upon the lions, we spotted a wake of vultures littered in the trees close to the road. We went to investigate and found an adult kudu kill, about 3 days old. We saw both lappet face and white-backed vultures. We heard lions roar on Wednesday so we assume it was them, especially with the male having a large belly.”
We’re getting closer to piecing together the puzzle of the Tuskers Bush Camp lions! Stay tuned, this was just the trailor. The full movie, with all the details, will unfold shortly…
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