Kayla Du Toit submitted this charming sequence to Latest Sightings. She filmed it in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Xidulu and Nhenhe
This video is a lovely compilation of moments Kayla has filmed of these well-known leopards, mother Xidulu and her male cub, Nhenhe.
In the first clip, we see the young Nhenhe (meaning ‘warrior’) launch an ‘attack’ on his mother. Exploding from a shallow depression where he had been hiding, he sprints across the road.
Meanwhile, seeing his approach, Xidulu (meaning ‘termite mound’) snarls a warning. But it is to no avail as her boisterous son barrels into her harmlessly.
Female leopards give birth to litters of up to 4 cubs, raising them singlehandedly in an often hostile environment.
Territorial duties
In the second clip, we see Nhenhe stalk and then launch another ‘assault’ on his mother. This, while she is preoccupied with a mysterious scent.
Subsequently, and showing no ‘respect’ for her supposedly important business, the cub leaps onto her. Showing remarkable patience and restraint, she returns to the scent the moment the ‘attack’ is over.
Leopards are territorial creatures that must regularly patrol their domain. As they go, they check out the scent markings of other leopards, gathering useful information about their status.
Rough and tumble
The third clip shows yet another playful attack on his endlessly patient mother. This time, Nhenhe stalks her as she rests in the long grass.
The fact that she watches him do so is no deterrent, and once more he crashes into her. Only, this time, she meets him with a counter-attack of her own.
Launching herself into the air, she narrowly avoids his initial rush…
Before allowing herself to be brought down… This sort of playful sparring is essential in her cub’s development, giving him the skills he will need to one day tackle prey.
Even at this young age, Nhenhe knows to go for the neck and throat. Leopards mainly kill their prey by clamping on the windpipe, causing death by asphyxiation.
However, this is only playful behaviour. Moments later, Xidulu is free and sets off in pursuit of her son.
King of the castle
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In the final clip, Xidulu is once again patrolling her territory. As she does, it is apparent that Nhenhe is getting fidety. Like any youngster, his main priority when awake is play.
This time, he climbs onto a fallen tree, claiming the title of ‘King of the Castle’. As Xidulu approaches, he prepares to taunt her from above.
As she once again sniffs the ground, he playfully reaches out a paw as if to taunt her into more play.
Showing the love and patience of a devoted mother, she acknowledges his touch. Understandably, the bond between the pair is very strong. Making it all the more difficult for them to part when he reaches maturity.
Sensing that now is not the time for play, Nhenhe takes a seat and watches what his mother is doing. Much of what cubs need to learn is gained by observing their mothers.
Young leopards typically stay with their mothers until they are two years old. Then, as she comes into oestrus, their separation begins, paving the way for a new generation to learn the skills necessary for survival.
Post Script
Tragically, Nhenhe was euthanised in June 2025 after he was deemed to pose a threat to humans. R.I.P. Little Warrior
Hyperactive Baby Hippo Scares Everyone In The Waterhole
This amusing video was sent to Latest Sightings by Isa Carter. She filmed it at a water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
I’m bored!
It’s often said that an “only child” can be a challenge, especially for friends and neighbours. And, judging by the events in this video, the same is true in the animal kingdom.
As Isa’s video begins, we see a lone hippo calf standing on the banks of its water hole. In the background, a herd of zebras await their turn to come down for a drink.
Amusing itself
It would seem that it has no one to socialise with. Nevertheless, as it runs around, it appears quite content to burn off the excess energy of youth on it’s own.
After charging around on the water’s edge for a while, it decides to return to the water, seemingly delighted at the big splash it makes.
For a chubby calf, it is surprisingly light-footed. As it takes to the water, it continues to amuse Isa and her companions with its antics. Quite what the rest of the onlookers think is open to debate.
Its mother, seen in the foreground above, seems content to watch the calf at play. Like any harried mum, she is probably enjoying a moment alone.
Thirsty zebras
Meanwhile, when the rambunctious calf took to the water, the zebras headed down to the water to slake their thirst. However, when the calf notices them, it cocks its ears in interest.
Potential playmates?
Consequently, it would seem that the calf saw the new arrivals as potential playmates. Subsequently, the over-enthusiastic calf set off towards the zebras with all the joys of youth.
Unfortunately for the little hippo, his barrelling approach was a bit much for the skittish zebras. In response, they turned and trotted away from the water’s edge.
By the time he emerged from the water, the zebras had retreated to the nearby treeline. Evidently, the hippos’ behaviour was a bit much when all they wanted was a quiet drink.
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Abundant energy
Nonetheless, their disappearance did little to dampen the calf’s enthusiasm. He had energy to spare and was going to burn it off one way or the other. Even if it meant playing with elephant dung…
As Isa’s video draws to an end, the little hippo, undeterred, continued to charge up and down on the lakeshore.
And, despite his protestations of innocent fun, the zebras in the background remained unwilling to join in the fun.
Playful practice
As amusing as the young hippo’s behaviour is, it actually serves an important part of its early development. Playtime for young animals is the time when they will learn the various skills necessary for long-term survival.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, particularly in their aquatic homes. As such, while the calf may not be doing so intentionally, it is employing various behaviours that in later life will help it assert its territorial dominance.
These include charging towards intruders, patrolling the domain, and gaping jaw displays. Of course, at this stage in its life, it is all in the spirit of play.
However, later in life, these skills may mean the difference between life and death. Whatever the outcome, for us as observers, they’re both fascinating and fun to observe.
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