What a surprise this morning's game drive turned out to be. It started with the conundrum of deciding whether to follow the fresh leopard tracks or fresh lioness tracks. A few of us were working in the area, so we split in two, hoping to come up trumps all round (which in the end we did!). However it was the team following the lion tracks that had the biggest success of all. Having found the three lionesses not far from the original prints in the sand, the cats proceeded to lead the landrovers through thick, tangled bush and drainage lines, at a rather brisk rate. A sudden halt and few "umph" contact calls later though, 3 tiny lion cubs came bounding out from the bush, ecstatic to be reunited with their mother. A roundabout turn was made, back the way they had come, and the pride soon settled down some distance on, in a wonderful open grassy clearing. The biggest treat was yet to come however, as we watched the cubs suckling, then frolicking around with their newfound energy, tackling each other, chewing mums tail, and jumping on top of the other lionesses in the pride. It is magical to watch any wild animal in the bush, but there is something so incredibly special and heartwarming watching cubs playing and interacting with each other, their funny little meow's and facial expressions....I think I am in love.
 |
| The Ottawa female and her 3 cubs, estimated at 3-4 months old |
 |
| No rest for Mum...it is one big game chasing and trying to tackle their mother |
 |
| So much love...Tiny bodies against the females giant head |
 |
| Pouncing, tackling and play fighting...it all helps with skill development.... |
 |
| ...though occasionally at the detriment of a sibling! |
 |
| A happy grin playing with mums tail...an endless source of fun |
No comments:
Post a Comment