I was born on May 27, weighing 2.7 kg, and was warmly welcome as the very first white male cub born in Mama Tau White Lions Breeding Project.
My mother gave birth at the same time to another white cub, but as often when “mother” for the first time, we were left alone in the bush, and my sister was killed by another lioness.
Sebaka means “chance” in Northern Sotho.
And chance I had, as I was luckily rescued and bred by Mama Tau staff ; since then, I am receiving milk each 4 hours, and after 6 weeks of full attention, I am now quite healthy and growing fast, and can be seen in Mama Tau.
I also received a job ! I am now in charge of writing the quarterly newsletter, and will keep you informed about all small & big events occurring in Mama Tau.
So let’s start working, beginning with some news about all little cubs born since January…
All brown females gave birth to some cubs, and the total number of lions in Mama Tau is now reaching 35 ; some cubs are still shy and hiding in the bush, but most of them can be seen walking along with their mom. They are quite curious, and come and watch our visitors, and some days, the only difference between visitors & ‘visited’ is just… a camera.
We had some changes in the Lodge as well ; a brand new lapa was built, and some additional game joined us on the property. Guests of the lodge do now have a chance to view zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, kudu, impala, warthogs, bushbucks, klipspringers, etc…
The tented camp is also under construction ; it will feature 4 familial self catered units, each with 4 beds, kitchenette, bathroom, private terrace & braai, all sharing a nice swimming pool. It is nestled under the trees, at a stone’s throw from the lions camp, so you lucky guys will have the chance to hear my brothers & sisters roaring at night. On my side, though doing my best, my roaring still sounds much like mewing…
Well, as I am still young and need a rest, that will be all for this time. Stay tuned for further news, and in the meantime come and visit me at Mama Tau.
Kind regards,
Sebaka.

Dear friends,
It’s a real pleasure to come back to you, with some fresh news from Mama Tau.
For all newcomers who did not receive our previous newsletters, please allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Sebaka.

I was the first white cub born in Mama Tau, and I was rescued by the staff when rejected by my mother – this happens often when lionesses get “mother for the first time”. After a few weeks playing and drinking milk, I was asked to work…
So I am now in charge of the quarterly newsletter.
Time flies in the bush, and I grew up a lot, getting – almost – as big and strong as my father. Still, I have to work on my roaring, and practice my hunting skills on my teddy bear… but I am looking forward to join all my cousins in the bush, and play with them. Since the opening of the breeding project in last January, almost all lionesses have given birth to cubs, and the camp is now full of young cubs playing around, carefully watched by their mother…
But let’s get back to work, as I do have important news !
Mama Tau team has been working pretty hard these last months, but is proud to announce the opening of its brand new Tented Camp ! Four large tents are now ready to welcome you & your friends or family, nestled under age-old trees, at a stone’s throw from the white lions !
I have been told that each tent features 1 double & 2 single beds, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen, and 1 private terrace and braai ! All this in front of a nice swimming pool & a small dam, where you should have the chance to look at antelopes and zebras drinking at night.
All tents are equipped for self catering, which means that you’ll have the possibility to prepare a nice barbecue at night ; but make sure to listen carefully at dusk, as you should hear my family roaring when enjoying sunset on your terrace…
If you want to have a first look on Mama Tau Tented Camp, just click on the picture below !

Another good news was the arrival of the rain, after several weeks of very hot weather ; we luckily received plenty of water, and the bush is again full of life ! As a result, the animals do have plenty of grass to eat, water to drink, and nice green trees providing some shadow in the sun. Personnally, I am not too much into baths & showers, but I must say that all this water made me all clean and neat ; my friends of Mama Tau even teased me saying that this way I finally look like a white lion…
It seems that all animals feel quite happy, as the impalas, zebras, and wildebeest had also some babies… More than ever, wildlife, blissful nature, and the majestic lions are awaiting your visit ! Mama Tau has now become a major touristic venue for day visitors in Waterberg, and has welcome more than 2.500 visitors since its opening in last January, from overseas tourists to local school groups !
Stay tuned for further news, and in the meantime come and visit me at Mama Tau !

Sebaka.

First things first, the whole team in Mama Tau is joining me to wish a wonderful year 2006 to all of you, your families, and your friends.

In order to start this new year with some good news, please allow me to introduce 2 newcomers, born in Mama Tau in last December : these new white cubs have been rejected by their mother, but Dirk & Beveley are taking good care of them. My two cousins are now 2½ months old and growing quickly ; they already weigh 9.5 kg, and are now starting to eat meat. As you can see on the picture below, one of them is proudly posing for the photographer… guess why ? Because it is a young lady, the first one born in Mama Tau !!

As you can see, I grew up quite a lot since my last newsletter, and I am getting stronger by the day. I am now old enough to live with other lions, and I really enjoy having some friends to play with…
First things first, the whole team in Mama Tau is joining me to wish a wonderful year 2006 to all of you, your families, and your friends.

In order to start this new year with some good news, please allow me to introduce 2 newcomers, born in Mama Tau in last December : these new white cubs have been rejected by their mother, but Dirk & Beveley are taking good care of them. My two cousins are now 2½ months old and growing quickly ; they already weigh 9.5 kg, and are now starting to eat meat. As you can see on the picture below, one of them is proudly posing for the photographer… guess why ? Because it is a young lady, the first one born in Mama Tau !!