The Lion prides of Mombo are famous, the stuff of National Geographic specials. Above and below you see two of the Four Brothers, four male lions who utilize the same territory; marking, patrolling and mating with the females within the area. There is an alpha male, the one above, and the other 3 brothers are subservient to him, allowing him the right to mate with all females, unless there is two that are ready. We came upon the alpha male early in the morning, walking at a pretty good clip having heard the calling of the female. He met up with his brother below, they said their greetings to each other and then they both continued the journey to the females. The brother below evidently had a good meal that evening, notice the difference in the extended stomach of the one below against the alpha male above.
The Cheetah of MOMBO
On another brisk morning we happened upon a mother cheetah and her cub. We spent the morning with them as they attempted three hunts, all unsuccessful. Most likely from the inexperience of the 1 1/2 year old cub and the patience of the mother in teaching the cub the skills that he would need. Cheetah cubs are very susceptible to predators, and nature has allowed some wonderful defenses. Cubs are born with long hair that resembles a honey badger, a mean little animal that even lions won't mess with. You can still see the remnants of the bushy hair on the back of the cub below. Also cheetah cubs have a sound when calling for their mother which sounds exactly like a chirping bird. A sound that we heard distinctly later that day as we resumed our search for the cheetah in the afternoon game drive.
The Kill.
We started our afternoon drive where we left off, driving to the area where we had last seen the cheetah and her cub, resting after the third unsuccessful hunt. We heard that chirping noise, which we all thought was a bird, but was pointed out by our guide, Nandi, that it was in fact the cheetah cub calling for the mother. Evidently, the mother, tiring of the boondoggles of the cub, and by now very hungry, set off to complete a hunt by herself so that they may both eat. We waited with the cub until it took off, having heard the reply of the mother which was inaudible to us. We followed him to where his mother was, lying down, and panting heavily. Nandi explain that this was normal behavior after a successful hunt, that she made a kill, had hid it in the woods, and was resting to get back her energy. As soon as she was able, she would lead both her cub and us to the kill.
Sure enough we were led to the kill, an impala. The mother let the cub feed first, helping him along at times. They fed on the impala very carefully, being very careful to avoid breaking into the intestinal area, as Nandi pointed out this would bring in the hyena as they would pick up the more powerful scent of the exposed stomach. Eventually, after finishing a hind quarter, the cub did break into the stomach, and within 2 minutes a pair of hyenas showed up, chasing the cheetah away. It was pointed out that this often happens, as cheetah are no match against a hyena and their powerful jaws. The hyena proceeded to devour the impala in no time.
