In our third article about the Misfit Pride and the documentary being made about them, we focus on one of the lionesses, Broken Paw. Despite a severe injury, she remains integral to the pride as they battle for survival in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
A passion project of filmmaker Robert Hofmeyr, Latest Sightings is proud to help him raise awareness and bring this incredible story to nature lovers across the world. You can support this venture by following the link to the Kickstarter crowdfunding effort. There are a variety of rewards available for supporters, from virtual safaris to a luxury 3 night stay in Chobe.
Broken Paw
As Robert’s video begins, we see a sorry sight. A lioness trudges across the dry plains adjacent to the mighty Chobe River.
Her name is Broken Paw, so named after she injured her right front paw over five years ago. Amazingly, she survived, but even after all this time, the effects of the injury linger.
Against the odds
Trailing behind Broken Paw are her two cubs. Despite her injury, she has managed to raise them.
Accordingly, her cubs remain loyal to her, even as the three lag behind the rest of the Misfit Pride. Injuries like hers can mean a death sentence. Instead, she is nurturing life.
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The patient pride
Meanwhile, up ahead, the rest of the pride lies resting. In this case, the lion’s legendary laziness benefits Broken Paw.
While they rest, she and her cubs follow their scent, hoping to catch up before the pride moves on again. Broken Paw’s sisters have cubs of their own to feed, so they cannot wait indefinitely.
Reunited
Thankfully, Broken Paw spots the pride at rest and eagerly approaches. As she does, she affectionately rubs heads with her kin, reinforcing the bonds that bind them despite obvious challenges.
Moments later, the cubs arrive and they too are warmly welcomed.
However, the lions’ lean bodies remind us that, if they are to survive, they must find food. And that means going to look for it.
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The show must go on
All too soon, the reunion is over as the rested lions rise to continue their search for prey.
As Robert told Latest Sightings, Broken Paws’ survival is largely due to her sisters. While she can’t hunt, she can share what they kill if she can keep up. In turn, she looks after the youngsters while they are away.
Accordingly, it isn’t long before she and her cubs set off after the pride. Although her injury slows her down, thankfully it doesn’t seem to cause her pain.
Subsequently, we are treated to an amazingly lit view of Broken Paw approaching with her cubs in tow.
Broken Paws resilience and determination glow in the warm light of northern Botswana. Additionally, her cubs look healthy, despite the many challenges they will face on the path to adulthood.
As the footage nears its end, Broken Paw looks directly into Robert’s lens. Her haunting eyes relay a simple message: If you only knew.
At Latest Sightings, we feel sure that once Kickstarter supporters fund the project and Robert releases it, we will all have a better understanding and appreciation of what she means. Especially considering the mounting challenges the species faces in a rapidly changing world. You can support the Kickstarter here:
