Good bye Big Boys

Our two big male Lions Dithaba and Sipedi has past away after recent fights with the Linyalo males(Wedding Boys). They succumb to their wounds.

Dithaba Sipedi(Two Mountains) was the dominant male Lions in the eastern side of the park for the past 6 years. If you have ever been to Madikwe you would have seen these two magnificent males. They were the personification of dominant male Lions. They had the biggest territory in the park, fighting of all the attempt’s of other males to come into the territory and kill their cubs and take their females.

They were 11 years old when they past, almost 12. They were old males and we expected them not to last much longer. Male Lions lifespan is normally about 13 years.

The Linyalo(Wedding Boys) males that came in to the territory and fought with them was not only younger and fitter but also out numbered them. They are three young and strong males. They fought with Dithaba and Sipedi when they were not together, witch also counted in their favor. Dithaba Sipedi has beaten up and killed their fare share of other male Lions when they were in their prime. But like everything, age takes it toll.

It is a sad day for us as we have built up a relationship with these beautiful animals. We have watched them suitor lots of females and father lots of cubs. It is an end of an era, but a start of an exciting new one.

R.I.P Dithaba Sipedi. We will miss your 5 o’clock wake up calls.