Yesterday morning Pieter found Karula and both of her cubs just outside room 4 at Vuyatela lodge. She apparently had a kill in a large Jackalberry tree, which was stolen by a lioness that climbed into the tree before the WE camera vehicle arrived.
WE now believe that she has one male and one female cub. The male cub seems a lot more confident around the vehicles than his sister, who has a tendency to hide away, which is why WE thought that she may have been killed. She now appears to be becoming a lot more relaxed.
A leopard’s spot pattern is as unique as a human fingerprint. The ‘necklace’ around Karula’s neck is one of her most noticeable markings. Next time you see her on the drive make a point of spotting her necklace. Over time WE will identify markings on the two cubs and as they get old enough to move off on their own, they will be getting names. Its always interesting to see how leopards get their names in the Sabi Sands. Each area has a different way of naming these amazing cats and the style of the names can often give some hint as to what part of the Sabi Sands the leopard comes from.
Rob,
Just wondering if you know of a fellow surfer with the intials of C.B. of Cape Town?
Wild Beauty
It is really amazing to see how much those cubs have grown since I first saw them. Karula is doing an amazing job!
And even though I am no longer able to get on the drives thanks to Vista; your hard work at WE is much appreciated, keep it up!
THIS MANY NOT BE THE PLACE TO PUT THIS. BUT WE LOVE TO SEE WHAT GOES ON IN THE BUSH EVERDAY & NIGHT. WHY IS IT AS SOON AS THEY TURN OVER TO NIGHT VISION THE DRIVE SEAM TO END IN MINS? WE WOULD TO SEE IF WE CAN SEE THE CUBS AT NIGHT OR SOME OTHER ANIMAL. ALSO THE DRIVE ARE GREAT. PIETER IS DOING A GOOD JOB, AND DO YOU THINK THAT MAY BE ROB TO POP HIS HEAD OUT SO THAT WE CAN SEE HIM?ONCE IN AWHILE.
How about an update on the network and when we can expect more “seats” for the drives. I am really having Africa withdrawal symptoms.
Thanks, Judy
I still say call them Nick and Helen!
How did Karula get her name?
Does it mean “necklace” in another language?
How old are the cubs?
My first thought on seeing Karula and my own way of ID-ing her was the she seems to have three necklaces!!
There are a lot of folks all over the world, heaving a big sigh of relief that both the cubs are OK. ***big, wide smile***
RandyWI
After months of unsettling news on my end, finally, some good news! I do hope these two cubs reach maturity and thrive.
PS: I am watching Pieter on the evening drive of July 31 and I have to add that I’m equally happy at spotting two Ground Hornbill.
It’s all exciting and adds joy to my otherwise mundane life so thank you again :) from Smalldog.
i was so gald to see the 2 cubs.it is very intresting on how they get there names. but we well always know them as little nick & little helen.