At Rhulani we are thrilled. Our beautiful model lion, regent in our area, called "Pretty Boy", has recovered surprisingly quickly from his injuries and the wounds are healed. He is back in old strength and can be admired by our guests again.

And there he is, this big, powerful cat, in the shade of a bush. With a full stomach, fast breathing, but fully relaxed. One notices, however, that our "Pretty Boy" has undergone hard times. He rests in the afternoon sun all alone, without his brother whom he has lost recently. He certainly misses him, one would assume, but our ranger Sean explains that such a loss is not as an emotional affair as it is with humans. Lions adapt very quickly to the new life situation, secure their territory and catch prey without help from others.

The recent territorial battles which killed his brother have also left physical marks, so that "Pretty Boy" has lost its flawlessness. Some scratches are visible on the skin, and especially the heavily battered hind legs show scars. But next to this impressive lion we see the remains of a half-eaten buffalo. This means that Pretty Boy is back again and meets his reputation to be a very dangerous killing machine. Not all lions kill other Big Five such as elephant or buffalo, but for Pretty Boy, this belongs to a standard menu plan.

Suddenly Pretty Boy stands up, presents himself in front of us and moves away. What a beautiful animal, and so close! "Do not worry, he comes back," Sean knows, and he is right. Pretty Boy makes a quick toilet break at the next bush, and then lies down at the original position again, comfortably on the back, showing his medals.

We are so happy that Pretty Boy came back on his feet. He is really an attraction in our region. With a bit of luck, when you come and visit us, you will see him too?