Wildcast

Back with the lions before sunset and they hadn’t moved all day. But there was no change in the activity of the lovers, they were still at it every 15minutes.

Was Manyari really getting tired, after all she’d been sleeping for 3 days, except for a little R&R. I reckon she’s saying “Oh not again?”

And their activities went on all night, being closely watched by the other male. He did occasionally get a friendly cuddle from his brother, but only when making sure to keep him away from his girl.

Feeling like he needed to be doing something while his brother was occupied the other male would roar into the darkness. His brother and Manyari would follow suit. Having them all roar right next to the car is the most awesome sound.

Manyari was taking a pounding but all in good spirits, but at dawn when she stared into the sky, I was sure her daydreaming thoughts were, “when will this end?”

At dawn she was into eating grass. Not that she was hungry. And her mate not wanting to leave her side, made sure he had his nose placed exactly where he wanted it.

I’m amazed how in the 3 days that we’ve been with these males how relaxed they’ve become. And daily it gets better. It’s been a true blessing having them mating with Manyari as they learn from her not be scared of us. Without her this would have taken us months. Especially as they used run away at 100m. It’s going to be interesting to see how they react when Manyari is not with them, but I’m pretty sure they’ll be fine. Even the male on his own will let me park about 10m from him.

But this morning was amazing. I was parked filming Manyari and her boy. She then walked to the front of the car and collapsed, acting as if the vehicle didn’t exist. The male followed suit and collapsed next to her not even 2m from the vehicle. And that was of their own accord. They could have lain down anywhere.

I’m hugely excited how well things are going with these guys and the starting up of a new pride.