The gorgeous cubs are growing so quickly and starting to be just a little bit of a handful at feeding time, especially the male, Ombeli. He gobbles down his portion and then tries to take Shakira’s, too!
Both are becoming very proficient tree-climbers, though Ombeli is not always a good judge of whether or not a branch will hold his weight. As the bigger of the two cubs, he falls, shakes himself, and races up the tree again. It’s a treat to see them chasing each other from branch to branch, improving their skills each time.
Shakira is the more active and playful of the two and loves to jump after a rope swung for her to play with during their daily walks at the waterhole. Brother Ombeli, sits with his head on one side, thinking about what to do next, looking so sweet!
The walks home from the waterhole have become quite entertaining as it’s not always easy walking them back on the straight road home – they dive in and out of every bush along the way and like stopping off for a climb up the odd tree now and then too! To help keep them on the straight and narrow, canine friends Kandas and Ouboet join us. The dogs became firm friends as soon as the cubs arrived at N/a’an ku sê, although it won’t be long before Ombeli is larger than Kandas, our big black Labrador. At present she handles with ease the tracking and pouncing of both of them and it’s beautiful to watch to group of cats and dogs play together.
To keep these young cubs entertained and to encourage their development of climbing skills, we have built them two climbing frames and platforms in their camp which they seem to love – every day there are seen sitting on top of one of the platforms or using them to shade from the hot African sun.
We’re delighted that both cats have overcome the ailments they experienced when they first arrived here. Ombeli’s cloudy eye has cleared up and Shakira has responded well to the extra calcium we gave her to strengthen her hind leg which caused her to limp.
We’re currently fundraising to build them a permanent camp here at N/a’an ku sê, as it’s unlikely they’ll be able to be released back into the wild after their poor start in life. If you or anyone you know would like to donate towards the camp, please email donationsnaankuse@iway.na.
