In 1996, life was tough in the Marsh. The pride of four adult females and their cubs was leaderless and headed up by 8-year-old Khali. With no male protection and unusually heavy rains the females were under visible strain. Yet, the arrival of two stunning adult male lions was unwelcome.
New leadership comes at a cost to young cubs as the males clear the path for their own genetic lines. The Marsh females were having none of it. Though we didn't manage to catch it on camera, a takeover eventually succeeded.