Safari (Swahili word meaning journey) is the mother of Karula and Matimba. Her estimated age is between 15 - 17 years. She was first seen on wildearth.tv in June 2008. This leopard can be recognized by her blind right eye, which Pieter Pretorius refers to as a "mini interstellar planet".

Her territory is generally to the south-west of where WE broadcasts from and hence she is not seen that often, but when WE does, she is always very special.

History:

Safari, Female Leopard

Safari (Swahili word meaning journey) was said to be named for a lodge/area within her territory. There are conflicting reports on her age which is estimated between 15 and 17 years old. Some reports have her being born in 1993. It is believed that the original Saseka may be her half sister born a few years later.

She is blind in her right eye. Several differing stories are reported on the loss of her sight. Some report it was of an altercation with the male leopard known as Xivati over a kill. Others say it was a fight with the male Mafufunyane while she protected her cubs sired by Xivati. Another report is that her eye was scratched by one of her two male cubs while feeding.

Whatever the reason for her blindness in one eye, it never seemed to hamper her with hunting abilities. She was and still is a very successful hunter.

Early 2001, Safari had two male cubs sired by the dominant male in the area known as Xivati. These two males reached independence but continued to stay together. They did not however survive long after reaching independence and were reported dead by the end of 2003. They were known as "Shadow" and "Light" by some.

In March 2004, Safari bore two female cubs believed to be sired by Mafufunyane, Karula and Tshemba. Tshemba was reportedly killed by lions or another leopard in 2006. Karula continues to be territorial in the Gowrie/Djuma area to this day and is raising her second set of cubs (Two males born November 2008 - sired by the Jordaan Male). Karula's first set of female cubs, Thandi/Saseka and Shadow/Tingana, who are now independent and are thought to have been sired by Mafufunyane.

In December 2005, Matimba (male) and Mbali (female) were born to Safari. Matimba has grown into a massive and beautiful young male and is now independent. Sadly, Mbali died in December 2006 possibly from a snake bite.

Safari's most recent cub(s) did not survive. Believe drowned in the den during a heavy rainfall.

This old girl, Safari, has had a long and productive life. She is truly a living legend.

Original written by Colleen and Karen