Independence is a beautiful thing in the animal world, it celebrates all the hard work and effort put in to raise a fearsome creature and have it survive. However, it can be a difficult job to perform, especially as a predator.

Back in May of 2019 we were treated to a memorable sighting of a new cub, belonging to the Scotia female. We have always known that Scotia is a phenomenal mother as she has raised three other cubs to independence, we had no doubt that her fourth would be no different. Her very relaxed nature as a mother has allowed us an inside peak into the world of raising a predator.

Learning is the modification of behaviour by experience. When living conditions change unpredictably, it provides these animals with flexibility in their behaviour. To obtain food and water and avoid potential predators, find a mate and raise offspring requires strategies and tactics that cannot be programmed in advance.

We have been fortunate enough to watch as Scotia has successfully taught her offspring these life skills.

Play is almost universal among all young mammals and is most likely the most efficient way to learn while the brain is developing, and the youngster has some energy to spare. The purpose of play is to train important muscles used for capturing prey, defense and social development. Play has never been short in our sightings with the pair. Bounding and chasing has been guaranteed when finding these two leopards.

Play provides short-lived stress and physical challenges that enhance brain development and improve the young individual’s ability to cope with any unexpected situations. However, it does also cement the bond between mother and cub as well.

A bond between a leopard and her offspring is exceptionally close. It's beautiful to watch as she puts all her effort and time into this smaller dappled version of herself. And as the months have gone by, we have watched as the Scotia female has aged and how her young cub has grown in leaps and bound with confidence.

However, play is starting to come to an end, and soon it will be time for the young cub to take on the world by herself. Young female leopards are often known to establish their home ranges within or at the fringe of their mother’s range. And as we have noticed that the Scotia female’s range has changed dramatically over the last couple months, we do believe she may even be making space for her young cub.

As the young female approaches her independence, we hope that we will see more of her tenacious behaviour, her bubbly walk and funny quirks that have captured the hearts of all our guides and guests, as she grows confidently into adulthood.

We introduce to you the Ngumi female. Ngumi meaning Klipspringer in Shangaan. She was found near a rocky outcrop referred to as Klipspringer Koppies. May she stay safe, and we look forward to many more sightings of this young female leopard.