WatcybFamous Leopard Steals Her Prize Back From Hyena
Londolozi Game Reserve has released sad news regarding the fate of a much-loved leopard. A suspected lion attack killed the so-called Three Rivers female, and rangers have found her body.
We recently received an incredible video submission of the leopard from Erin Long, and we thought that it was a fitting tribute.
Body located
Staff on a neighbouring property found the severely mauled body of a leopard on the banks of the Sand River.
Scavenger damage made identification difficult. Ultimately, the small chip on one of her canines identified her as the Three Rivers female leopard.
Additionally, while other resident leopards have been accounted for, she had not been seen for some time.
Never Miss A Viral Safari Video
Up-to-date news stories, like the sad tale of this leopard’s death, are popular with our members. To be among the first to see our latest sighting videos, join our exclusive alert list. Click the button below to join the WhatsApp chat right now, and never miss another thrilling moment.
An Amazing Sighting
During a recent sighting of the Three Rivers female, rangers and their guests spent the morning following her. After numerous failed hunting attempts in the morning, they returned to find that she had made a kill.
However, soon after, several hyenas arrived and stole the kill from her.
Subsequently, when lions called in the vicinity, the hyenas became distracted. Ever the opportunist, the leopard ran in to seize the carcass and drag it up a nearby tree.
To the best of our knowledge, that was the last time anyone saw her alive.
Lions suspected
We believe that lions killed her. Not only did rangers hear lions nearby, but staff also found her near where two lionesses were nursing young cubs.
As the largest predators of the bushveld, lions frequently kill other predators to eliminate competition for resources.
“A scrappy little leopard”
Rangers named the Three Rivers female for her first territory at the confluence of three rivers, and she roamed across parts of Londolozi and MalaMala. We believe she was born in 2016.
At just ten months of age, lions forced her into early independence when they killed her mother. Leopards normally become independent between 18 months and two years.
Despite, or perhaps because of the early setback, she went on to become one of the most renowned leopards in the area. By 2019, she had achieved territorial dominance and went on to give birth to several litters of cubs.
Of these, she raised both the Nsuku male and Tinxiya female to independence. As is often the case, she ceded part of her territory to her female offspring.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Latest litter
In December 2025, rangers saw her mating with the Maxims male. About five months later, they spotted her with two cubs they estimated at between 6 and 8 weeks old.
Sadly, with the passing of their mother, the prospects of their survival are remote. For the record, the reserve maintains a strict non-interventionist policy.
Ongoing legacy
With her passing, a vacuum has been left both in the hearts of her admirers and in the habitat she roamed. In due course, both will be filled as Nature moves to restore balance. Latest Sightings will be sure to keep you updated on developments.