Yesterday morning, we got some really bad news that Malaika had lost one of her two cubs to hyenas. From one report we got, a guide saw 3 hyenas feeding on the remains of the cub. It is really sad to know that just the day before we were with them and within a few hours, the little one was gone. But i guess that is nature!
In the afternoon we headed to the Serena Pump area where we knew there was a young male leopard with a fully grown male impala on the tree. After about half an hour, the leopard lost grip of its kill and dropped it to the ground, eventually descending down the tree to get it back. We also had a good sighting of Olive. She was sleeping right in the open but as it got darker and cooler she got up and began moving towards the base lugga. Unfortunately, we did not manage to get any good shots as it was quite dark and this made it really tricky and difficult.
Like you say Aatish it's nature but it's still terribly sad news. It was such a privilege to see Malaika and the two littles ones last month so this news really hurts - I will treasure the photos and memories I have of the three of them together. Hope Malaika manages to raise the remaining cub to adulthood.
ReplyDeleteSounds like some great leopard sightings :o)
Lynn
Just out of curiosity, have you heard anything about Zawadi (aka Shadow) the leopard of Big Cat Diary fame? I keep searching for news of her, but nothing is to be found. I'm still hoping she is around. The last time she was seen was right after she lost her 3 month old cub, Malaika. She was seen mating with a male leopard and has been missing ever since. It makes me wonder if she moved to a remote part of the Mara and is tending after her cubs. By my calculations, they would be about a month old and still in hiding.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we have not heard of any news on Zawadi. We were waiting for guys in MNC to give us some news but have not heard anything. Lets just hope she pops up soon
ReplyDelete