This week, Nic Polenakis wows us all again with another fantastic story that sent shivers down our spines. Recently our excitement was heightened when Nic and Cloud spotted an Egyptian Vulture in Mana Pools National Park. Egyptian Vultures are only rarely found in Zimbabwe, as vagrants. Usually, these Old World vultures are only located in North Africa and the Northern regions of Kenya. They were thrilled, to say the least. And so were we!
This week, however, isn’t only for the avid birders, but involves Cecil’s pride in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe…
After Cecil’s tragic death in July 2015, Bhubesi, another dominant male, intruded and was fast to eject Jericho, Cecil’s brother from the pride in order to claim his territory. Bhubesi welcomed cubs from his old pride, they can be seen below. The cubs are seen here play fighting. Practicing for when they are older and will have to fight for territory like their father.
Cecil’s lionesses did not take well to the idea of Bhubesi as guides and lionesses alike were sure that he would kill their 7 month old cubs, as is natural for a new dominant lion, as this will force the females in to estrus and they will be ready to mate with the new lion and to carry on the newcomers lineage.
Bhubesi has quite the reputation, and has been sighted regularly around the Somalisa concession
Bhubesi a lioness from Cecil’s pride
The latest news from Somalisa, is quite magical.
Nic tells us: “I recently returned from Somalisa and thought I would update you on the latest with Bhubesi and Cecil’s pride.
When Cecil was killed and his compatriot Jericho was ousted by Bhubesi we at Somalisa all thought that our 7 seven month old cubs were doomed and would probably be killed by this new lion, Bhubesi! After all that is what the books tell us about new incoming marauding lion!! Surely the cubs stood no chance? 18 months later the cubs have not only survived but flourished under the superb leadership of their moms.
Cecil’s pride feeding on a buffalo
This was by no means an easy task and I can only imagine the hardships and challenges they faced during these daunting times. During these dark days the usually confident territorial lioness changed their behavior so as to keep their precious cargo safe. At times I watched as the whole pride ran for miles on end trying to elude the approaches of this new unknown lion. The pride stopped roaring and even changed their routes preferring to walk on hidden paths instead on the main roads! These lion were obviously stressed and in stealth mode!
Cecil’s pride from Somalisa Camp
A couple of weeks ago something changed! The lioness once again became confident, even brazen, walking back on the main roads and for the first time since the death of Cecil began to roar. In fact the whole pride began to roar! What had changed? We always wondered what would happen when the adult females came back in estrous, would this force Bhubesi to accept his new family, and this is exactly what has happened! This past week I watched Bhubesi lying among Cecil’s pride and even observed the 2 year old females flirting with this big brute.
The pride is back and has now returned to the safety of their home, Somalisa, where we hope they will settle down and continue to amaze and entertain our guests for years to come!”
Since we received this information, there have been some exciting and nail-biting developments…
Xanda, who has recently arrived at Somalisa is in fact one of Cecil’s sons from Cecil’s original pride at Linkwasha. Xanda (pronounced Zanda) was chased out of his father’s territory a while ago and has been living on the Hwange National Park boundary close to a hunting concession! This is where he met up and bred with an old lioness called Stumpy, pictured below.
Xanda’s Pride at Somalisa Camp
They recently turned up at Somalisa which is about 20km+/- away from their original area. Xanda obviously challenged, won and chased off Bhubezi who seems to have already taken over Jericho’s old domain! Cecil’s pride has once again disappeared and are probably hiding from Xanda!
This drama is intriguing and is getting more interesting by the day. Let’s try follow this closely as I am sure our past and present guests would love to be kept in the loop.