In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a team of wildlife filmmakers have been tracking a group of big cats for the BBC TV series Big Cats 24/7 – and there’s one animal who has defied all odds.
Malome, meaning ‘uncle’, was named because of his unusual relationship with the Xudum Pride; one of the biggest lion prides in the world.
He exists on the fringes of the pride, remaining unchallenged by the pride males Madumo and Big Toe.
And as wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan tracks Malome, he says, “He is in hot pursuit. Well, as hot as his pursuit can get. Look at that leg. That is never going to heal. That is such a severe injury.”
Big Cats 24/7 narrator Adetomiwa Edun explains that because of the injury, “Malome has survived losing the ability to run, usually essential for life in the African savannah.”
But instead of struggling, Malome has adapted his hunting techniques in an astonishing turn of events.
This article by Sophie Ellis was first published by Discover Wildlife on 8 April 2026. Lead Image: TrevorFairbank/Getty Images.
What you can do
Protect wildlife by making a monthly donation as little as $5.
It only takes a minute!
Leave a Reply