We are all very cheerful at Leopard Hills today, yesterday we viewed Hlabankunzi’s remaining 14 month old cub for the first time in over a month…she is looking very healthy and strong!
Hlabankunzi has been hiding the cub in the east as far away from the Xinzele male leopard as possible so we were not sure on the condition of the youngster. We have seen tracks a few times but have been unable to locate the cub.
We heard that both Hlabankunzi and her cub were found late the other evening on a fresh Impala kill quite far to the east of Leopard Hills.
We were unable to go and view them in the dark but vowed to try the next morning…only to find out that there was no sign of them in the morning and 2 Mapogo male lions had stolen the kill!
We returned to the area yesterday afternoon ever hopeful…and there she was high up a Marula tree only 100m from the male lion, not phased by him at all! She has had much tougher obstacles than an ageing male lion in her young life!
Enjoy the pictures below, she is a survivor for sure.
It is possibly 6 months or so until her independance, anytime between 18-24 months old is normal for female leopards in this area. Hlabankunzi is already leaving her on her own for extended periods now, possibly up to a week at a time!
thanks for the update DD, brilliant images!
Thanks Dave, she is gorgeous and so pleased to hear she is safe. Hope Xinzele stays away from her!
Wonderful to see her and to get an update.
Dave: Thank you for the update. Life somehow renews itself in the bush. Stay Well. and see you in September. Joan and Arnold
thank you for the update she is beautiful
She is a beauty – taking after the genes of her grandmother Makwela! Lovely pictures Dave. We pray that she keeps safe and hopefully I can meet her in 2 and a half months time when I return to Leopard Hills!! Keep us posted.
Great news, Davo! Thanks for the update.
You go girl! Keep up the heritage.
Wow, she’s gorgeous! Look at the fat little belly! She’s got the power of the Makwela gene’s keeping her going. Thanks for the update & photos. Please keep us posted on her progress!
Hurray! So happy to see her alive, safe healthy and beautiful! Makes my day to visit the weblog with to hear/see such great news and photos! Greetings good wishes to all! Thank you so much! Canada!
That is from me in Canada. And of course updates are most appreciated especially these wonderful ones…like the next one with the video of Hlaba Nkunzi!