Becoming Dominant
The Tumbela males entered the western sector of the Sabi Sands in early 2020, arriving at a time when the once dominant Matimba coalition had been reduced to a single aging male. Hairy Belly, the last remaining Matimba, had successfully held the Othawa Pride for several years despite the loss of his coalition partner, but nearing 15 years of age, he was no longer able to match the strength and endurance of younger rivals. The Tumbelas gradually increased their presence in the area, making repeated incursions into Matimba territory and steadily eroding Hairy Belly's control. Although the veteran male put up a determined resistance and managed to hold onto the pride for several months, the odds were simply too great. By late 2020, the Tumbelas had firmly established themselves as the new dominant males and began mating with the Othawa lionesses. Soon after, they successfully took over the neighboring Ximunghwe Pride as well. The Tumbelas faced little serious opposition in the early years as dominant males, and were able to hold on to their territory without many challenges.
The Decline
Despite their promising start, the coalition's reign was overshadowed by declining health. Scar began showing signs of an unknown illness and his health gradually declined, his last sighting was in September of 2021. Limper's condition also worsened, though he did show signs of recovery at many occasions. Limper disappeared soon after Scar, his final sighting being in June 2022, left Skorro Jr. as the coalition's only remaining member. Although Skorro Jr. continued to defend the territory alone, the loss of two partners dramatically weakened the Tumbelas' ability to project power in their territory and made them a target. Sensing this opportunity, other coalitions like the Birmingham and Nkuhuma males and later the Plains Camp males started venturing into the area more and more. The arrival of the Birmingham and Nkuhuma males sparked violent confrontations that resulted in the deaths of two of the older Othawa lionesses and the dispersal of much of the pride. While some lionesses fled with their cubs, others were forced to abandon the territory altogether. The once-stable pride was eventually reduced to just three young subadult females who suddenly found themselves without the protection of dominant males or their natal pride. In late 2023, Skorro had an encounter with the Plains Camp males. While resting on an airstrip, he was ambushed from behind and somehow managed to fight them off and get away. This attack seemed to signal the beginning of the end as he was never quite the same strong and dominant male who once ruled over the Othawa Pride. The last Tumbela male stayed in the area despite having essentially lost his territory and pride, occasionally being seen with the subadults.
The last remaining Tumbela male ambushed by the two Plains Camp males while resting at the airstrip in Ulusaba.
Legacy
The fall of the Tumbela coalition marked the end of a brief chapter in the history of the Othawa Pride. Although their reign lasted little more than two years, they produced a generation of offspring that later became the Othawa pride we know today. In the aftermath of the Birmingham and Nkuhuma male altercation, the three young subadults faced an uncertain future as they struggled to survive without the support of a pride. Two of the three subadults miraculously managed to make it to adulthood despite the incredible odds they faced, giving new life to the Othawa pride as well as a lasting legacy to the Tumbela coalition. The Tumbelas' journey was defined by hardship from the very beginning. Having already lost several coalition partners during their nomadic years, the remaining three males overcame injury and illness to claim a territory of their own. Their time as dominant males was ultimately cut short by declining health and the arrival of stronger rivals, but through the descendants they left behind, the Tumbela coalition has left a lasting place in the history of the Sabi Sands.
The information was gathered through various public medias such as blog pages, forums, and online groups.
