SABI SAND
(Resting while keeping a lookout, Screenshot Credit: Gabi Hossain, safariLIVE, Chitwa Chitwa)
November 3
There haven’t been many sightings of Kuchava on SafariLIVE lately, but her presence is nevertheless a force to be reckoned with. When WE met up with Kuchava she was scent marking, informing the leopard world that she is on the prowl and ready to mate. Furthermore, she was found scent marking in an area that more often visited by Thandi. In a continuation of what WE have been previously seeing, the female leopards of the region are still actively determining who belongs where.
(Hosana on the move, Screenshot Credit: Agnes Zsiga, safariLIVE, Djuma)
November 6
Each week Hosana manages to find new ways to entertain, surprise and confuse and this week he managed to do all three. Not only did he nonchalantly use his predatory prowess to disturb a number of kudu, Hosana, like Kuchava three days prior, was seen scent marking. Unlike Kuchava, this doesn’t indicate that he’s ready to mate. It does, however, indicate that he is no longer satisfied playing the submissive young leopard. Hosana has marked his territory, he has staked his claim, he has announced his presence. This will likely draw the attention of Tingana (and potentially Quarantine), the dominant males of the area and could very possibly pit the males against one another. Although WE certainly didn’t expect this of Hosana so soon, WE will nevertheless be waiting with bated breath to see what will happen next between the male leopards of the Sabi Sand.
MAASAI MARA
(New mother with cub, Photo Credit: Tayla McCurdy, safariLIVE, Maasai Mara)
UNKNOWN LIONESS WITH CUBS
November 5
In sharp contrast to the mayhem usually coming out of the Maasai Mara, this week WE stumbled upon the den site of a lioness and her four newborn cubs. WE watched on while the lioness groomed and fed her little ones who were barely three weeks old. Here’s to hoping that we’ll get to see the adorable little cubs again very soon!
(Two of the Musketeers on the lookout, Screenshot Credit: Gabi Hossain, safariLIVE, Maasai Mara)
THE MUSKETEER CHEETAH COALITION
November 7
WE have watched more than one unsuccessful cheetah hunts lately, but the cheetahs’ failure wasn’t going to deter them from trying again; their survival depends on perseverance. Once twilight took hold, the five cheetah brothers tried their luck with a herd of various herbivores. The action unfolded rather quickly as the brothers raced headlong into the herd, almost immediately grabbing a very young Thomson’s gazelle that had been separated from the rest of its group. Once the brothers merged onto their prey, the wildebeests froze and watched on as the cheetahs devoured the small antelope; one could only guess what was going through their minds as the cheetahs’ played tug-o-war with their meager meal.
But the little snack clearly was not enough. One member of the coalition endeavored to go at it again for a more appropriately sized meal, causing further pandemonium within the wildebeest herd. Alas, it was not to be and the Musketeers had to be temporarily satisfied with the little Thommie.
(Two of the Musketeers on the lookout, Screenshot Credit: Gabi Hossain, safariLIVE, Maasai Mara)
November 10
In a rare display of energy, the infamous lion wasn’t simply sleeping away the day, but was found finishing a meal which took the form of a zebra carcass. Never have WE seen Scarface looking quite so full; his stomach looked as though it might explode at a moment’s notice. Although there was more than just the one lion on the scene, not all present got their fill. One of the lionesses let a younger, hungrier male know in no uncertain terms that he was to wait his turn. Luckily that time did come, for once Scarface decided he’d had enough, he wandered away to let the others nibble at the leftovers.
