Vukile

This beautiful young animal was born in the summer of 2005. She inhabits the dense fever tree forests at the back of the Hlambanyathi dam, and also ventures into the river right up to the lodge.  Facial spot pattern comparison confirmed that this is indeed Matilda's cub which was photographed several times when she was still with her mother.

At just over 3 years of age she is already quite big with her mother's genetics no doubt playing a large role in this.  She was named Vukile (to be awake) as she caused a great commotion when she woke up just as we finished putting on her collar.

 

 

Vukile November 2007

 According to her GPS data, she uses an area no bigger than 880ha in the northern part of the reserve and she is turning into a lovely animal in terms of game viewing, especially at night time when she shows little consideration towards vehicles.

 

  

Vukile below Hlambanyathi dam wall

 

 

Vukile on a night drive