We came into the Sabi Sands area from Manyeleti. Just like other males that have no established territory, we were called the Manyeleti Males or Brothers. Yes, there were two of us. We were big, strong, good looking and about 4 yrs young.

We enjoyed the Buffelshoek, Djuma, Nkorho areas of Sabi Sands and soon found some females from the Nkuhuma Pride that liked us.

Unfortunately, we ventured too far into the Mapogo Coalition territory and my brother was lethally injured.

Now I roam on my own. Still seen with my favorite Nkuhuma girl, "Snaggletooth" and my lovely Sandy Patch girl who bore 3 Manyeleti cubs.

History

Manyeleti Males (Young)- distinguished as "young" due the many lions/prides/coalitions over the past decades being known by the name of Manyeleti.

These males first appeared on Djuma in July 2008 coming from the North (Manyeleti).

Their history is unknown. Two very large young male lions estimated to be approximately 4 +/- years in age and more than likely brothers. Both sported fairly light coloured manes with one having a fuller and more mature mane than the other. . They were virtually scar free and it was assumed they had recently been pushed out of their pride.

Frequently venturing more and more into Djuma and neighbouring reserves over the next months, they were seen in the company of two lionesses from Nkuhuma Pride and mating with the one known as Snaggletooth. They also spent time with the lone Sandy Patch lioness who bore three cubs in December 2008 believed to be sired by one of the Manyeleti males. By mid 2009, only one male cub was still surviving.

In early January 2009, reports came in that these two magnificent males had been in a fight sometime around Jan 3rd/4th. Speculations were that the Mapogos and these young males had clashed. This altercation happened near the Mala Mala/Kruger boundary South of Nkorho. One of the Manyeleti brothers was said to have been killed, however a few days later, both of the Manyeleti males were seen alive. The one with the immature mane though had been severely injured with his right back leg badly broken.

The one brother remained with his injured sibling for some time. The last time seen together... they were heading into Kruger but only the uninjured brother seems to have returned. It can only be presumed his brother is dead.

The surviving Manyeleti was in Buffelshoek on the morning of March 2nd, 2009. He was mating with Snaggletooth from the Nkuhuma Pride once again.

May 17, 2009 - Reports came in from Djuma that a conflict had taken place. Tracks showed signs of the Styx Pride and their cubs along with Male Lion tracks that indicated a fight had occurred between several male lions. Later in the morning, another report came of the Manyeleti Male being chased by two adult males believed to be part of the Mapogo Coalition. They chased the lone Manyeleti Male until he escaped across the Northern boundary of Buffelshoek and into Manyeleti.

June 19th 2009 - The surviving Manyeleti Brother was viewed on Wildearth.tv's AM Safari drive. He looked magnificent. He was heading towards Buffelshoek Dam where a young hippo carcass was found a couple of days ago. As the carcass was still floating too far from shore, we left the Manyeleti Male lying on the Dam wall as if he was standing guard over his prize. What a beautiful sighting!

Sightings of this beautiful male lion have become less and less frequent.

We were so looking forward to watching these two brothers mature and become a presence in the Nkorho & Djuma area. With the presumed death of the injured brother, let's hope the lone Mayeleti Male can survive these tumultuous times.

Information gathered from sighting reports and/or newsletters from Djuma and Nkorho, information shared by Rangers in the area, and viewing through Africam, Wildearth.tv cam & live Safari drives, discussions with the WEcrew.

Written by Colleen and Karen