Cubs First Kill

What a priveledge to witness what is most likely Hlaba Nkunzi’s two 8 months old cubs first proper kill.

We have seen them playing with and killing a small banded mongoose before but 2 days ago Heinrich and I saw them with their first antelope kill, a young bushbuck.

Hlaba Nkunzi managed to subdue the young bushbuck and then sat back and watched for danger as her cubs went about finishing off the kill. It was a long process and quite emotional for some guests as the bushbuck cried out and tried to escape. What was interesting was that the female cub claimed the kill as her own and growled every time the young male came too close.

I like this image even with all the long grass as the expression on the face of the female cub captures her confidence! No doubt she will be a great hunter like her mother one day. As for the male, keep practising young man!