Makwela and Thekwane mating!

Makwela is back and not wasting any time.

After returning, Makwela tried to mate with the Thekwane male but with no success as he was not interested.

She persisted and at last the young male woke up and we saw them mating yesterday for the first time!

Even though it is sad that she lost her cubs, we are glad to have her back. As leopards do, she has no hard feelings towards the male who killed the first cub. She has come to realize that he is now the dominant male here and will protect her future cubs by keeping other males out of the area. The Wallingford male has not been this far south in years and spends his time around the Sand River far out of Makwela’s territory.

Thanks to Michelle for the use of her camera for these shots!