Serendipitous Sightings and Spectacular Sunsets
- The “Jamala Females” and the “Mica Female” (the sleeping lioness).
The Mica Female is the mother of both the Jamala Females and therefore, the grandam to these five cubs. The Jamala Females were born in June or July 2008 and the mother of these two girls (The Mica Female seen sleeping in the visual above) is as feisty and formidable a lioness as one could ever wish to meet.
We remember her reaction on one particular occasion, when the Jamala Cubs were about five months old. She had pulled down a well sized wildebeest for the family . Once the lions and cubs had eaten their fill the cubs managed to “wrestle” the carcass away from the pride adults to indulge in a few youthful antics. We had sat with the group for about forty minutes when the Mica Female suddenly decided she had had enough of our company and stormed our vehicle without any warning. Needless to say, we all landed up on the opposite side of the vehicle, blood surging through our veins and our adrenaline levels at an all time high. We got the message loud and clear, and swiftly gave the pride the privacy they had so “politely” requested!
- The Mica Female – Mother to the Jamala Females and Grandam to the five youngsters.
The Mica Female is so distinctive with the odd coloration to her eyes.
This female has a look that speaks volumes when one gets a little too close! A formidable lioness who takes her responsibilities as a mother and grandmother very seriously. Courageous in her quest to look after cubs and her two consorts “The Kagal Males”, once locked on to a prey victim, she rarely misses the target. Unusual for lions whose reputed hit rate is approximately 1 in 5.
- In this picture, “The Loan Range” reflects the curiosity of youth.
With each passing day, this rather special young cub, born to the Jamala Females, gains confidence and on this particular occasion, our open game viewer becomes the subject of close scrutiny. Given the tenacious bloodline of both the dam and sire lineage, this cub is geared for future greatness.
- An unidentified young male sniffs the early morning breeze.
We have included two pictures of these very handsome young males. We found these two boys lying about three hundred meters south of Jamala Madikwe early in the morning a few days ago.
- The second of the two unidentified young male lions.
There has been a shift in lion territories of late and we were pleasantly surprised to find these two youngsters in the area of Jamala Madikwe. Regrettably, we have not been able to identify these boys as yet.
The return of the Jamala Females and grandmother The Mica Female with the 5 cubs to the same area, could prove tumultuous if these two boys are set on making this area “home”.
- White Rhino
The plight of the rhino should be viewed as one of the greatest tragedies of our time and a sad indictment of mans inhumanity to all creatures of the natural world.
These magnificent animals, fiercely protected and revered within The Madikwe Game Reserve, are a source of great pride to each and every one us that have the privilege of sharing in their world.
- White Rhino – mother and calf.
Irresistible, precious and a picture that had to be included.
Both mother and calf are photographed at the end of the day as shadows grow longer. The protection of these rhino will form the backbone of a legacy to all future generations of the world.
- The Ground Hornbill
This very rare and endangered Ground Hornbill is one of a pair of Ground Hornbills raised by our very good friends whose property adjoins The Madikwe Game Reserve. These truly spectacular birds have taken to “flying the roost” and have become regular visitors to our side of the game reserve. Definitely rated by ourselves as one of THE sightings of the week!
The end of another spectacular day in The Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa.
To our friends Niel Dreyer and family, our fabulous Senior Ranger, Lucky – thank you for caring … and sharing your wonderful photographs.
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