Here’s What Happens After a Male Lion Loses
Mandevu was one of the well-known Tintswalo Boys, a lion coalition that patrolled the Manyeleti Game Reserve, right along the border of Kruger National Park. His name, “Mandevu,” comes from a local word meaning “beard,” which was a nod to his striking mane. In his prime, he was a powerful, confident male, right around eight or nine years old.
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
The Tintswalo Boys were a pair, Mandevu and his brother-in-arms, Nzuri (sometimes you’ll hear the name spelt or pronounced a little differently, like Inuri, but it’s the same lion). These two made a name for themselves not only among local guides and rangers but also with wildlife enthusiasts all over the world, thanks to virtual safaris, YouTube videos, and regular updates from the Manyeleti area. They became almost like characters in an ongoing wilderness drama, with fans tracking their movements, watching their interactions with other lions, and rooting for their success.
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
Together, they patrolled the borders of Manyeleti and Kruger, their bond and presence shaping the lion dynamics of the region for several years. But as is often the case in the wild, their story took a harsh turn. After years of dominance, a fierce encounter with the formidable Mbiri males left Mandevu badly wounded.
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
The Tintswalo Boys operated mostly in Manyeleti, right on the edge of Kruger National Park. For a few years, they moved through open territory, occasionally trying to secure dominance, especially over prides along the borders. But they weren’t the biggest coalition around. They were just two males, which made them more vulnerable compared to larger, more aggressive groups.
The Mbiri males on the other hand, are a notorious coalition known for their size, strength, and fighting ability. They had been gaining ground steadily, expanding their territory into areas like Manyeleti where the Tintswalo Boys operated. These kinds of territorial overlaps almost always lead to clashes. Lions don’t share space peacefully when pride access, breeding rights, and control are on the line.
Eventually, it was inevitable. The Mbiri males, being the dominant force they are, clashed with Mandevu, and likely Nzuri, though only Mandevu was seen injured afterward. Nzuri, his lone surviving brother, has since been seen wandering the same territories, but his fate remains uncertain.
Even though his injuries were serious, including deep holes in his head, wounds near his eye, and weakness in his back legs, the fact that he was drinking water was seen as a small but encouraging sign. In the wild, a lion that’s completely done for usually won’t bother drinking or moving at all, so some believed his basic survival instincts kicking in meant he might pull through.
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
Even though his injuries were serious, including deep gashes to his head, wounds near his eye, and weakness in his back legs, the fact that he was drinking water was seen as a small but encouraging sign. In the wild, a lion that’s completely done for usually won’t bother drinking or moving at all, so some believed his basic survival instincts kicking in meant he might pull through.
content by The Virtual Safari @ Tintswalo
Lions are built tough, and it’s not unheard of for them to recover from fights if they can find food, water, and avoid infection. But unfortunately, the injuries this time were worse than they looked at first glance. The wounds to his skull, potential damage around the eye, and his weak body condition after the fight made recovery harder than anyone hoped. Over the next few days, his health declined, and eventually, news came that he didn’t make it.
It’s not often that we get such an extensive look into what happens after a male lion loses an expansion battle, but this is the full process of a natural that has taken place for millions of years.