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
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
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