One of Makwelas cubs Mambirri has pass on…..
There has sadly been another death of one of our female leopards, Mambirri. She was born to Makwela about 10 years ago and was fathered by the Wallingford male who is also no longer with us. After departing from Makwela she took up residence in the south of our traversing area.
As the years went on she has been viewed regularly and has raised 2 cubs successfully. One of the cubs being Metsi, who now has 2 cubs of nearly a year old now and Tlangisa who only a few months ago gained her independence from her mom.
About a month ago she took a chance trying to catch a warthog and got seriously injured, so badly that a part of her pad on her left front paw was hanging off. A vet was called out to dart her and assess the situation, the dart never penetrated and up until 1 week ago she wasn‘t seen. We presumed that she had passed away but then she was seen the other day and was in a very bad way.
She unfortunately had to be euthanased as the injuries were so severe that she was suffering. This is a sad day for us in the Sabi Sands as she was a great leopardess.
R.I.P. Mambirri.
thats a tragic story.May Mambirri rest well.She certainly was a awesome Leopard to view.
You just have to do the ‘right thing’ sometimes. Well done. Must have hurt you, but in truth her even more.
While very sad for those who knew her well, why did you interfere in a situation which was natural and not a snare or human induced incident ? Just curious.
Regards
Trevor Packer
While very sad for those who knew her well, why did you interfere in a situation which was natural and not a snare or human induced incident ? Just curious.
Regards
Trevor Packer
Hi Trevor,
This situation was all about trying to help the animal that was clearly in alot of pain and distress. It was very difficult to even see the extent or the wound as she was mostly in long grass and didn’t give us a chance to get a great view.
In short, all that we were planning to do is if the wound was too serious then to put her down there and then to avoid even more distress.
Thanks for asking i am sure a few people that have read this artical were thinking the same.
Sorry to hear about your loss.She looked like a stunner..Patrick Kings Camp
This is very tragic news. I believe Mambirri was one of the leopards I had seen on my journey. May she rest in peace. It is so heartbreaking to know that I saw this beautiful creature and she is now no longer here. It must be very tough on all the rangers to see these animals every day (well, almost), know their personalities and their quirks, and to suffer a loss each time one passes or is killed. Thank you for doing all you do.
2011, or should I say 2000 and lemon is really off to a sour start 🙁
It is indeed sad to hear this news, but knowing the fully story, I am pleased I was not the one holding the moral compass. We can only hope that this will be a win/win in terms of a magnificient Leopard being put out of her misery and hopefully another indication to the surrounds that while Sabi Sands reserve treasures it’s animals, they do so with a level head and respect for those that share their boundaries.
She certainly gave me a sighting I will never forget. In a way, as much as it is an unnatural passing, it is a much quicker and less painful ordeal and one we wish all could have when their heydays are done.
Again, my thoughts are with you all.
This is so very sad Gary. We were with you on the 26th of May 2009 when you saw her and her cub for the first time. I remember she let us get right up close to watch her cub leaping on her head and stalking her tail! I am so pleased that you were able to save her sufferig. I hope her cub will be ok. Keep her safe for Mambirri.
What a sad day for you all. Clearly a very tough decision to be taken but if we can help anyone or anything who is suffering then that’s the right thing to do.
Thinking of you..
Gary: Sorry for the loss. I know she was like one of the LHs family. Please ask Dave if Mambirri was the leiopard that took a dislike to my camera. See you in September. Arnold
Gary: Sorry for the loss. I know she was like one of the LHs family. Please ask Dave if Mambirri was the leiopard that took a dislike to my camera. See you in September. Arnold
Sad news. Wow, she must have been in extreme pain but at least she is suffering no more. Sad loss for you all in the Sabi Sands. Stunning pictures to remember her by. Annies.
Hi Arnold,
Indeed it was Mambirri who took a dislike to your camera. I remember that sighting like it was yesterday…your image of her baring teeth must be one of the top images of her through the years.
It is very sad for us all however the good news is that her strong genes live on in her daughter Tlangisa.
I look forward to seeing yourself and Joan in September.
Dave
And God asked the animal spirit…
Are you ready to come home?
‘Oh yes, quite so,’ replied the precious soul
‘And as an animal, I know I am able to decide anything for myself’.
‘Are you coming then?’ asked God.
‘Soon’, replied the whiskered angel
‘But I must come slowly, for my human friends are troubled’,
‘For you see, they need me, quite certainly’.
‘But don’t they understand?’ asked God
‘That your souls are intertwined, for all eternity?’
‘That nothing is created or destroyed?’
‘It just is…forever & ever & ever.’
‘Eventually they will understand’
Replied the soul.
‘For I will whisper into their hearts that I am always with them’
‘I just am….forever & ever & ever’
**************
Hope you are resting now Mambirhi…a pain free!!
Thinking of you all…
Regards
Drew, Brian & Mia
Oh God, it is indeed very sad news:(
She wasn?t just another Big Cat, she was a daughter of her legendary mother Makwela! Like a domestic animals, we don?t want them to suffer:( you did a right thing Gary!
R.I.P. Mambirri
Hi Gary, I have just found your blog and am really hoping that she isnt the leopard in the beautiful photo your folks gave me! So sad. regards Alison Palmer