Cubs Archives - Leopard Hills

The Othawa’s expand…again

Posted on 5 January 2019 by LH Focus Online

Survival of the fittest is the rule of the bush. With that said, it is always a pleasure to see the animals grow and survive.

The young Othawa lioness was seen mating with a Matimba male lion late last year. We waited with great anticipation whether she would fall pregnant.

Soon afterwards we saw signs that she was pregnant. Just before the year ended we received exciting news that the lioness gave birth. There was great speculation whether the first time mother would manage to keep her cubs safe.

A few weeks later we had the privilege to view the lioness with three healthy cubs. The mother found a rocky outcrop where she could hide the cubs if need be.

The new cubs were introduced to the pride very quickly. Thereafter, they spent a few weeks in solitude so that the cubs could adjust to their new surroundings.

After acclimatising the female decided to move the cubs yet again. We had the most amazing sightings of her parading the cubs down the road and through an open clearing.

The Othawa lioness escorted the cubs safely to the remaining pride. They have integrated well and their survival looks promising so far.

Written by – Cal Butler

New blood

Posted on 7 September 2018 by LH Focus Online

The ultimate reign of the Majingilane male lion coalition has come and gone. Their spectacular memories will last a life time. They have, however, left a great gift behind.

One of the Othawa lionesses has successfully reared a litter of three cubs. There was great excitement when news broke out that the cubs were born. Being an experienced mother, she chose a well, secluded den site in a thick drainage line. We waited a couple of weeks before she finally revealed her cubs.

It has been a real pleasure for us to view these little cubs grows up. They are currently around 5 months old.

Two Matimba male lions made their way onto our property recently. With cub mortality rates being really high, we were really concerned that the Matimba males would discover the Othawa cubs. The mother has done a phenomenal job at avoiding the movements of the Matimba’s and keeping the cubs safe. We were also glad to see how tolerant the Othawa male lion was when the cubs were introduced to the pride.

The cubs are currently at a very playful age and spend a lot of time play fighting, stalking and ambushing their siblings. This is very necessary in order to learn the valuable skills that they would need in order to survive the tough life out in the bush.

Written by: Cal Butler

Prying Pups

Posted on 2 July 2018 by LH Focus Online

Termite mounds do not usually stir up a great deal of excitement. However, from time to time you may just find some treasure inside.

There has been a flurry of activity around a well-established termite mound recently. One of the hyena dens is active again.

Seeing petite little pups pop their heads out of the holes brings great joy and excitement to our guests. It does not take long before the pups become comfortable with our presence and come closer to investigate.

Once the sun starts to go down their energy levels peak and the pups will practice their stalking and hunting techniques on their unsuspecting siblings.

Here a little one decides to guard the hole as mother took a little nap.

Written by: Cal Butler

New cats on the block

Posted on 30 May 2018 by LH Focus Online

It has been a while since we have had a little shake up. With the current resident lions shifting territories, new cats are moving into the area.

We had received exciting news that a female cheetah with two cubs was moving steadily west. How long it would take for them to reach us only time would tell. This week we were all surprised to find them on our traverse.

Apparently these wild felines made their way down from the Thornybush area and settled here in Sabi Sands.

The cubs are around 9 to 10 months old. They have lost 2 of their siblings due to attacks from lions and 1 from a snake bite. With less pressure from lions, there’s a good chance that these young cubs might survive the next few crucial months.

Written by: Cal Butler

The Playful Ones

Posted on 26 May 2018 by LH Focus Online

Winter is quickly approaching and the bush is swiftly showing signs of the changing season. Yet there is still a hive of activity on the reserve.

Thlangisa, a wonderfully relaxed female leopard, has provided us with a gift of cubs yet again.

The mother has found a secure den site and she has finally revealed these bundles of joy to us. She has 2 tiny cubs and they take after their mother. Thlangisa, “The Playful One”, has passed her nature onto her cubs as these two little fur-balls constantly chase each other around or hop all over mom when she is around.

This is not her first litter and most of her cubs have survived to adulthood. We look forward to see these cubs grow up into strong, independent leopards in years to come.

Written by: Cal Butler