Mapogo lions
 

There's a new Londolozi rangers report up, at least one of the Mapogo males are still in their area. I am interested in the Mapogo's whereabouts as i'd love to see them on our upcoming trip. We are booked for two nights at Kirkman's but may add on a night or two somewhere else last-minute. Exeter maybe - where ever they've been hanging out recently.

Anyone else have pictures of these guys? here are mine -
2001, some of these cubs became Mapogo males
http://www.cathouse-fcc.org/images/s...ncubsmala2.jpg
http://www.cathouse-fcc.org/images/s...oncubsmala.jpg
2003, younger males
http://www.cathouse-fcc.org/africa03/6lion.jpg
2003, the older male
http://www.cathouse-fcc.org/africa03/ep2.jpg
(available as an ornament at
http://www.cafepress.com/wildcatzoo.40079017)

Nancy

Hi Nancy

I have not seen these six since Dec 2005/Jan 2006 and with the killing they have been engaged in,I am not sure I want them near MalaMala with cubs around, as they would have no chance.

I have seen them regularly over the years, I they certainly would be an impressive sight, very similar I guess to the West Street Males, although only 5.

They would be nearly - 9 years for the older, three nearly 7 years and one nearly 6 years of age, so all really in their prime of life.

I saw the oldest one being beaten up by both females and the 3 West Street Males in September 2001, and against all odds he never left, but was eventually accepted. During those times he was very submissive and let cubs do anything, which was always amazing to see.

It was these lions that killed a male at Londolozi earlier this year, then in the middle of the year, killed some cubs of the Tsalala Pride and badly injured one of the females.

So I would like to see them as well, but not at the risk of the cubs currently around MalaMala!

Kind regards

Kaye

Our ranger at Singita Ebony told us they even killed females and their own cubs. They've wrecked havoc on the area.

Hi Kaye,

Are these the six male lions that dominated the Western SSGR recently? if they are the same ..... i saw them last year at Exeter.

In either case, ...... i will try and post some pics this weekend.

Hari

Hi Hari

Yes, they are the Eyrefield Males but they have not been at MM for some time, and honestly, I am pleased because they have caused horriffic damage and death in their path!

Kind regards

Kaye

I have decided to split my 4 Exeter nights into 2 at Kirkman's and 2 at Leadwood. I have been in correspondence with the head ranger at Exeter River lodge, Brendon Streak, and he says that the Mapogos still rule the west but that they more regularly splitting into smaller groups. He said that he actually had a sighting of 2 of the males mounting each other the other night!

I dearly hope to see them in December! They have to-date killed approx. 5 lions in the west, 2 cubs in the north(Tsalala pride) and the dominant male in the western parts of Londolozi.

But the scary thing is, they eat their victims!

wildcatzoo - if you are only staying at Kirkman's, you won't see them. Try to add that extra night on at Exeter Leadwood, River or Dulini. But you are never guaranteed a sighting of these males. Their area seems to be so big now that you never know they might pitch up!! When are you going?

Regards - KL

Hi Kaye,

Thanks! Just as i thought, those same 6!!! they were killing buffalo and hippo with ease a few months ago ....

Hi KL,

Good luck and hope you get to see them!

Hari

I'm at MM in 3 weeks and praying they dont get there before me. While I would love to see them again, not at the expense of the little cubs I hope to see.

I'm at Kirkman's Nov 1-2, with the 4 nights before that in Kruger, may shift one or two of those to another SSGR lodge.

Nancy

I'm at Exeter's, Londolozi and Mala Mala (not forgetting Ngala at the start) from next week onwards until October. So hopefully I'll see some of them somewhere...