Last night I was privileged to spend some time with the Southern Pride as they moved through the still of the night looking for a potential meal. The Kruger Male was following close behind and we had some great opportunities to photograph him.
He is looking great and clearly showing that he is the king of this area. Even though we didn’t hear them roaring while we were with them, I did hear them when we got back to the lodge. After dinner service I could hear the distinct call of one male lion close to the camp (KNP Male) and then 2 other males replying (Mapogos).
This morning we found the pride with no KNP male with them and Michell, after some great tracking was able to find him almost 15 kilometres away from the pride. After she had spent time with him she went down to the Sabi River for a coffee with her guests and saw the Mapogos lazing in the river about 200 metres away.
There is no doubt that there was interaction between the three males last night but from the looks of things the interaction was not physical. It is my guess that the Mapogos had heard the KNP making his way down there and decided to rather make space than face any form of confrontation. Patrick Flanagan, a guest at Earth Lodge took the photo of the 2 Mapogos below. Thank you for sharing!
rosie says
Thanks for the Mapogo pic Richard and Patrick, the boys are looking good, I just hope they keep out of trouble.
ranger rich says
Always a pleasure Rosie
juan says
Hi Richard
Thanks for the amazing pics
The Kruger Male is by far my favourite lion in the Sabi Sands, he looks a mean beast.
How does the Kruger Male compare in size to the Mapogo’s ..?
ranger rich says
Glad u enjoyed Juan! They will be much the same size!
jody morrison says
WOW! What an exciting time. The photos are stupendous….. I am in awe. Thanks for sharing all this
ranger rich says
Thanks Jody
ben beckham says
I would like to ask, why did a fight never occured when it was clearly two versus one? Is it because the 2 brothers are now like old leopards avoiding comfrontations?
Also, is there any chance that they’ll form a coalition?
ranger rich says
Hi Ben
The Mapogos are avoiding confrontation at all costs due to their age and the fact that the KNP males gave them a run already.
There is always a possibility of another coalition but the chances are very low!
jojo royal says
I hope they do form a coalition. It would be safer for them long term if they did
ranger rich says
I would also love to see them join forces but I think it is highly unlikely!
souenir says
so wonderful pictures
ranger rich says
Thank you Souenir
souvenir says
Iam a chinese。living at eastnorth of china。
I am so happy to find you guys who update those story and pics about the mystery africa and the great animals living there。。
you are the ones true love the nature and the lives 。so do I。
Atie Majid says
So smart of the two old warrior to avoid confrontation.That just proved how great the Mapogos are….living it up in any situation.I love Freddy too but in history no other coalition has yet to live up to Mapogos standards.Here they are 12 and 14year old while Freddy is in his prime.Not a fair comparison.Having said that,Freddy too had a left a great legacy and life full of colors.