LIONS - Nkorho & Elephant Plains Area

Thanks for that information Aqulia, as well as the earlier info about the Mapogo/buffalo rumor. I can't tell you how upsetting that news is about the Sand River pride. It creates feelings that I would prefer to repress, feelings of anger and bitterness toward the authorities in the area and the local community. It's depressing to read about such a blatant lack of respect for nature from these individuals, and this is not an isolated occurrence as the story mentions. The leopard database here mentions similar occurrences with former leopards of the Sabi Sands. Obviously the reserve properties have been unable to convince the local communities that it is in everyone's interest to show some basic respect for the native animals of the area. To be honest, this culture of killing animals that stray from the protected reserves leads me to view the entire Sabi Sands/Kruger area as almost an overgrown zoo, since the animals are not free to leave the area without immediate and lethal consequences.

thanks Aquila, that's such sad news...

Aquilla that is bad news. It completly ruined my day.

I created a long responce ( but deleted it)

all i can post now is.

Take Care

I am saddened by the loss of an entire lion pride due to the fact that they left the reserve where they were protected. I then read Joe14's comments regarding the communities surrounding the reserve and the apparent 'zoo' that is the Sabi Sands/Kruger area. There are very few truly wild places left in the world and the Kruger is definitely one of those places. 

I feel that these comments are completely unfounded, the communities had nothing to do with the lions being shot, the decision to shoot the pride was taken solely by the conservation authorities. This decision to shoot the pride was made, as far as I am aware, without the consultation of the lodges, who would have provided a means of returning the lions to the reserve, as in the previous cases of the leopard leaving the reserve.

The communities are well aware of the importance and benefit of having the wildlife, many of the surrounding villages are where the bulk of the lodge and hospitality staff are sourced. They do however have a right to the safety of their possesions and person and with lions roaming this could not be gauranteed. This however does not warrant the senseless killing of an entire pride!

The loss of these lions should be seen as a lesson that we learn from and can avoid in future, through proper communication by all of the involved parties, be they the conservation authorities, the communities and the lodges. These are issues that we have to deal with in conservation and yes there are times that we are overjoyed by a result or outcome but then there are days, like today where things don't work out, but we have to continue and work at getting it right.

Well said, Ngala. It is heartbreaking. There are a few places left that provide some semblance of what was. The lodges and the communities around them are trying. We must keep working.

Rest in peace sweet pride. <tears>

I should apologize for my comments about the surrounding communities of Sabi Sands as I did not mean to insinuate that they were intolerant of wildlife. My understanding was that a former sabi sands leopard was once shot by community residents when entering a nearby community despite showing no threatening behavior, but that is still not enough to blame community intolerance for the tragedy that occurred a few days ago. I do realize that the communities play a vital role in staffing the lodges on the Sabi Sands as well. 

However, I stand by my other comments regarding the zoo-like characteristics of the Sabi Sands reserves, with some qualification. Kruger is indeed a large, well-protected natural reserve. However, in the other directions, the borders from the Sabi Sands strike me as zoo-like in nature, in that the so-called dangerous animals are often summarily shot when they leave the reserve properties. When animals escape from zoos, the same thing often happens. Sometimes zoo officials are utilized to attempt to tranquilize and recapture them, but sometimes they are shot by police officers or other similar personnel. Still, my "zoo" comparison is just as much about the animals lacking the freedom to inhabit or traverse the areas outside the reserves as it is about the specifics of how they are treated when they leave.

Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect the Sabi Sands neighbors to tolerate lions or leopards roaming their communities. I know it occurs in other parts of Africa, but apparently it is unacceptable here. To me that's too bad, particularly in light of their proximity to Sabi Sands and Kruger, but obviously it isn't up to me. I would certianly like to see more of an effort made to return the animals to the reserves though, if their presence cannot be tolerated outside the borders.

Still, I am not optimistic at all that there will be any lessons learned here, in light of the history of similar occurences in this specific area. The report in this thread indicates that the lodges are investigating and attempting to enhance communication with the conservation authorities, but I'm not sure why this process would be any more successful now than in years past.

As the article indicates, a similar event with other members of the Sandy Patch pride occurred a few years ago, and yet officials did not learn a lesson from that incident. Instead, they did not hesitate to slaughter the pride members once again this time around. Likewise, I can give two separate examples of leopards who resided in the Sabi Sands and were shot when they left the premises. These are the incidents that I know about, I would be surprised if they are the only ones. 

At any rate, while the report expresses good intentions in terms of communication with conservation officials, I am just not optimistic that anything will change after this incident, since similar occurrences have happened in the past and those lessons did nothing to help the Sandy Patch pride. I would love for some good to come out of their needless slaughter in the form of conservation officials working with the reserves to help return them to the Sabi Sands, but history indicates that it is not the likely outcome.

Let me be clear, I am not saying that the lodges are not doing enough to communicate with conservation officials and the community. They may well be doing all they can to attempt to change how such events are handled. However, as the past has shown, good intentions and effort by the reserves may not be enough to prevent similar incidents going forward.

OMG. Thank you for telling us Aquila. How incredibly sad and unnecessary this was!

Many thanks Aquila for posting.  It's so sad and such a great loss.

I found an article in an Afrikaans newspaper

http://www.news24.com/Beeld/Suid-Afrika/0,,3-975_2458858,00.html

.... the translation of the article appears on the Sanwild site.

Cattle killing lions shot

Jan 25 2009 10:13:24:370PM - (SA)

Buks Viljoen

Six lions that killed a cow on Friday night near Hazyview in Mpumalanga were shot yesterday.

Officials of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks agency started searching for the lions in thick bush adjoining the Sabi Sands Game Reserve on the weekend.

The lions escaped from the reserve on Friday night after it is alleged that a dominant male attacked and drove the animals from the reserve.

During the course of the night they caught a cow near one of the tribal chiefs “kraal” at the Dumphries C-settlement near Nkuhlu.

The fleeing pride of lions consisted of 7 animals – two adult females and five young males between the ages of 18 months and 2 years.

All but one of the young males was located and shot said Mr. Jan Muller of the Mpumalanga Parks Agency.

It is alleged that the pride of lions left the reserve on Friday after the perimeter fences was damaged in a flood the past week. The river remains in flood up to 200m wide in places.

Muller said that their efforts to chase the lions back into the reserve were unsuccessful.

“The bush in the area is very thick and because large numbers of people live in that area our department feared for the loss of human life.”

A decision was made to shoot the lions. Two years ago another pride of lions were shot under similar circumstances.

A pride of 11 lions left the reserve in the same area in April 2007. On this occasion the pride of lions killed 36 head of cattle belonging to the Dumphries community. Most of the pride members were then also shot.

According to contact with Leopard Hills, they are aware of the possible survival of the one cub. They will post if and when they have any news of him.

Wow, that article is even more depressing than the original report. The parks official seems to believe that all lions are bloodthirsty maneaters who will hunt and kill humans as soon as they're given the opportunity. I'd be embarrassed to hear a young child parrot that ridiculous stereotype, let alone someone who works as a game official. Such a senseless and ridiculous tragedy.

Of course the killing of cows is problematic for the villagers and they deserve to be compensated for that. But, if the Leopard Hills site is to be believed, and I see no reason why it shouldn't, the reserves are more than willing to provide such compensation. 

 I really can't come to grips with this complete disrespect for nature from these officials. I have been enjoying the webcams and reading up on the many different Sabi Sands sites for a couple of years now, with an eye toward a trip to the Sabi Sands in 2010. As much as I appreciate the hard work of those who work at Nkorho lodge and contribute to this site and the cam, and the efforts of those at other Sabi Sands in updating the wildlife diaries, I really do have to question whether I'd want to contribute to Mpumalanga Tourism (after all, the Sabi Sands are part of Mupmalanga) when those responsible for the tourism in the province as a whole show such contempt for the wildlife within their borders. I guess there's always Tanzania...

That pattern of shooting wild animals  is unfortunately world wide. In spite of all kind of developement homo sapiens is still thinking  in a primitive way meeting a wild animal. Following Africam has given me a lot of hope for animals--but maybe it is just a dream.

Sad, sad,sad!

I have to agree on you Katip. I saw some furious reactions about what happened ( YES I AM MAD ALSO!)  But its like you stated a world wide problem.

Just look what happened to the Bears, Wolve's , Cougars and more of the wild life animals in Europe, Asia, and the Usa  and many more parts of planet earth!

Now  to be back on topic:about the 1 young male that might have escaped ?

I have questions:

It was reported that he went back in to the "reserve"protected area again.

I am sure that he will be on the look for his family pride some days even weeks ?

Will he be on his own now ? What happens if he meets another pride? Is there a chance that he will be accepted ? Ore does he make a big chance to get killed.

I asume if ( we still dont know)  he meets the Mayeleti Brothers, he could team up with them ? ( they might accept him because they need help now that 1 is badly hurted) (or worse)

I just do not know enough on how Lions behave in the wild bush and how the pride's are interfering and have relations with eachother.

(and how important age is ?)

Will the Mapogo's recognize him as one of their cubs ?

Still i am sad that this pride has been taken out.

They were beautifull animals! (i googled on picture's and writings about the Sand river pride).

Take Care.

(Sorry for my english) i speak it better then i write it).

That is true. Predators are shot and killed the world over and they have been eradicated from many areas out of ignorance, fear, or human arrogance. I guess I just would like to have thought that we were evolving in our understanding and in particular, I would have expected more from park officials just outside the Sabi Sands. I'd have thought they would be a little more informed and rational in their decision-making.

 I also wonder about the fate of the final Sandy Patch sub-adult. I'm not sure how he would be able to survive on his own. It would be an ideal situation for him to join another pride, like what seems to have happened with the Eyrefield pride and a sub-adult male on Mala Mala (excerpted in this thread), but joining another pride is not very easy even though it has happened before and he is too young to join a coalition like the Manyaleti boys. I hope for the best for him though. 

I hope the best for him, too.  Since animals are in such dire straits would it be feasible to have a program to help those of limited numbers like the lions?  I know they are supposed to be on their own and let nature take its course, but man has interrupted nature by taking up territory that once belonged to them.  

Are the Manyelities still around?  The injured one - is he okay?  I wish the young cub could join them.  They need each other. 

Hi There,

On the Blog's  of Leopard Hills many people are dooing message's about the tragic events that killed the Sand River Pride

I have fallen in love with the Windmill pride!

My heart almost stops beating if i imagine that what happened to the Sand River's will happen to the Windmill's ( ore any other pride's ore leopards) that are gooing for a walk out of the  "safety" of the preserve and safe area's.

I am thinking on creating a website were i can collect all message's i can find on this tragic event and then sent it to the autorities that are responsible for the action taken against the sandriver pride.

The blogs can be found here--> 

http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/

(Thank you Aquila for given me this url)!

Take Care!

From Leopards Hills.

_>

Thank you to everyone for the postings and comments.

As I stated in the original article, I deliberated long and hard about posting this, and I still stand by my decision to do so. However I must point out here that it was my personal decision to do so and not necessarily going to be the attitude of everyone. I have taken quite a lot of criticism over the last few days for the posting and it seems that quite a few feathers have been ruffled.

There is raw sentiment at the moment, and maybe if I had followed my own advice and not acted in the “heat of the moment”, then things might have been a little different, however I doubt it.

As I have already stated, I stand by my decision in writing the article, and already things are moving forward, a serious look at the standard of the fence is being conducted and improvement/modifications are being made, this in itself has to have made it worth it, we can not afford for this to happen again. I must however point out that the fence was under severe pressure with the Sand River in flood, and I am not in a position of authority to comment if there is any fence that is capable of withstanding such punishment.

I feel however I have to re-state some of my points again to ensure everyone is clear on my feelings and stand point.

I in no way blame the Local Community for what has transpired. We strongly believe in the upliftment of the Local Community Area, and will continue in every way we can to make sure we do our part. We strongly believe in education in the local community areas, as this is going to be the future of ensuring Wildlife have these areas to roam free, therefore much of our Community Development work, other than direct job employment, is focused in and around the local schools.

The tragic events that occurred are not to be blamed on the Local Community, our relationship with them is strong, and we continue to work hand in hand with them on the road to future benefit, theirs and that of the Wildlife in the adjacent Reserve areas. In the past we have been notified of a breach in the fence, or we have notified the Local Community that a breach had occurred, and we have been given an opportunity to rectify the situation. In this instance we were not given such an opportunity and the Provincial Authority, not the Local Community, made the decision to destroy the Pride without notifying us of their intention. Therefore I appeal to everyone not to vent outrage and blame on the neighboring Community. Indeed we will fight harder in our efforts to educate and uplift these Communities.

So many of you have asked how you can help, all I can ask is that you continue, as so many of you have, to help us in our endeavors to build schools and clinics and help us with the incredibly important job at hand of educating as many people as possible of the importance of Reserve Areas such as this, and how Wildlife and people can live side by side to the mutual benefit of both.

Sadly this is not a unique situation occurring only here, it is happening across Africa and although much progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. I have always been of the opinion that; to be a Conservationist in this day and age, we need to be optimists, we have to have the “glass is half full approach”, it is a long road ahead, but one we need to travel.

I also can report as I end off here, that communication between the Authorities within the Reserve and the Local Provincial Authority outside the Reserve have been scheduled as a matter of urgency, and I hope and pray we can have a conclusion that will prevent something like this ever happening again.

Thank you for the information on the Sand River Pride.  Very sad and tragic.  I have to remember to check in on this thread more often.  I came looking for any final word on the injured Manyeleti and found this. 

Like you, Maddie, I am always checking to see if there is any news about the injured Manyeleti.  Even if his leg was broken, it should be healed enough by this time that he can get around without too much pain. It would be heaven if the lone survivor of the pride that was killed could get with the Manyeletis and form a pride of three.  Don't know why I got attached to the Manyeletis. I guess it's because they seem a little more sociable than most.  

Certainly hope there will be no bad news about the injured lion. 

Hi there

I have googled on the Windmill pride.

They are the first pride i have seen LIVE at africam!

So they have a very special place in my heart.

I found this-->

http://www.malamala.com/MM7/LION_windmill.htm

I do not now if this is updated regular. ( I hope so!)

Take care.

Hi there again,

I forgot to ask.

I was not an africam member at christmas evening 2006.

I did read back the chat that was happening that  special evening.

Nice to see it was a triller!

(also next day)

Ok my questions are: When they first appeared .. 2 male Lions and 1 female. Were they the Manyeleti brothers ? Together with a hungry female?

1 day later a pride took down a Cape Buffulo, same lions? ifso which lionesses joined them later that day? were they together long? as a lion Pride?

Questions at this moment: The Manyeleti Brothers. are they still together? last i read about them that 1 of the 2 was badly hurted..  ( Bushie uploaded a pic on 1 of the 2 brothers with a broken wounded leg)

Secondly the sad news Aquila told us about the Sandriver pride...

First reports they all got shot (:

Later reports said that 1 of the male cubs did escape the shooting and went right back into the the reserved and safe area.. Has he been spotted anywere?

A long time already past since the Sand River Pride has been shot ... so if its true that 1 of the cubs DID escape the shooting... i really wonder were he is now.. ( On his own?) maybe he joined another pride and was welcome?

A Load of Questions are storming in my mind about this.

About the Windmills: I was so happy to see them LIVE on NK , I already seen in the waterholechat that this pride was hiding and in a hunting mood just under the cabin that Penny2 was housing on her trip. (Penny must be something you will never ever forget!)

Ok again i know i talk to much..

Does anybody know about the manyeleti's  This day? Is the wounded one still alive? Did his brother Hunt and got any food to his wounded brother?

Does anybody know if its true that  one  Sand River Cub escaped the shooting?

were is he now...  Still alone ore joined a pride? ( I hope so)

anybody has any news about the Mapogo's?

@ insaneBushie..  i saw all the picture's you uploaded   THANK YOU!

your picture's combined with Penny2 picture's are saved at my Computer.

Thank You Be safe and..

Take Care

Ice

Upgrade:

It is emailed  to me ....... that indeed 1 of the younsters that was a part of the Sand River pride did escape from the shooting.

So the Sand river Pride is not dead! we still have one..

He seems to be out there in the bush on his own....

I was told he is not very skinny and does look Ok and safe .. but still alone.

As i posted before.. i do hope he will join the  2 Manyeleti brothers!

it will make a great pride! ( the 3 of them).

Be Safe and take Care

Ice

I have some information on the young male from the Sand River pride.  Yes, he did escape the shooting. I heard from a ranger friend in the south of the Sabi Sand that he has been seen (not by my friend, though) and reports were that, although a bit thin, he seems to be coping remarkably well on his own and is obviously finding some food.  It will be interesting to see how he copes on his own in the future.

An update on BB's male cub "Solo". This young approx. 3 1/2 yr old male from the Tsalala pride seems to have been accepted into the Eyrefield pride in Mala Mala according to their reports. The Eyrefield pride being the pride the Mapogos originated from makes one wonder if another large male coalition is in the makings with 5 male cubs close to 2 yrs in age and the addition of BB's son. Will be interesting to see how this plays out. Also interesting that the oldest Mapogo joined the Eyrefield pride as an unrelated youngster too and is the dominate Male of the coalition now. History repeating itself possibly?

I am very happy to hear this youngster has found a pride and is not still out on his own.

Sadly, one of the female cubs of the Eyrefields is missing. Hope she is only lost and not dead.

Aquila, We really appreciate the information you share. It is exciting that Solo found a home and impressive that this same pride keeps producing such strong males who defy most conventions. Does the mother of the Eyrefield female cub have a name we would recognize? I re-read all your postings. I can keep up for a bit then get lost. Have you considered doing a family tree? LOL

Hi Donna,  the Eyrefield pride female doesn't have a name.  The pride itself is made up of 3 lionesses and 9 cubs apprx. 2 yrs old.  Of the 3 adult lionesses,  two are sisters of the Mapogos and the 3rd, the older lioness, may very well be the Mother of some of them.

We try to do a "family tree" on the prides seen more often on NK and EP but the Eyrefields are down in Mala Mala and don't venture into NK & EP that I am aware of.   Mostly their history is only shared as they are the originating pride of the Mapogos. 

Hi Aquila,

So, am I correct in my understanding that this Solo is NOT the young male from the butchered (sorry, that is how I feel!) Sand Hill pride?

Someone on the forum seemed to be under the impression that it was the one that escaped.

Correct Myra, this is not the same youngster that escaped the shooting of the Sand River pride.    Hopefully, he will also find a pride that may accept him.

Forward message to Ranger Josh.

Click here

To Aquila.

It seems to me that you are the one that for years did follow the Lion Pride's.

Please keep telling us what you learned and keep us updated.

Thank You!

You told me...

I am very happy to hear this youngster has found a pride and is not still out on his own.

This is a picture.... yes its Big Cat!

One of the Windmills!

Resized by Ingwe

edit 05-032009 by iceage Thanks Ingwe !

Photo's by InsaneBushie and penny2

be safe and take care!