The Plaque Rock Females cubs! This revelation sent ripples of excitement through the ranks of rangers and trackers, all of us determined to uncover the mystery of the location of her den. Last spotted in mid-October, her swollen belly hinted at impending motherhood, but no suckle marks left us in suspense. November brought clarity – unmistakable signs that she had become a proud mother.
Undeterred by scorching heat and endless hours in the bush, my mission was clear, I had to find her den. A breakthrough unfolded when she appeared in the heart of her territory, feeding on two impala lamb carcasses. Seizing the opportunity, I committed to the cause and nestled into the shade, patiently awaiting her midday mission to nurse her cubs between her own hearty feasts.
Hours passed in anticipation, the relentless sun bearing down. Despite surrendering to its unforgiving rays, the wait wasn’t in vain. That afternoon, my perseverance paid off as she remained in the same spot, gracefully returning to feed after a brief respite.
The next day brought a new twist – she was nowhere in sight! Determined to solve the mystery, I joined forces with fellow rangers on a quest for fresh clues. Tracks in the river teased us, yet the den remained elusive.
Then, fate smiled upon us. Twenty-four hours later, she reappeared. With unwavering determination, I shadowed her until a soft chuffing contact call filled the air – she was summoning her cubs. Success! There it was, the hidden den, sheltering three pint-sized, heart-meltingly adorable cubs.
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Sean Zeederberg
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