Lady Liuwa – The Last Lioness
Lady Liuwa
This is the extraordinary and moving true story of how one lone lioness turned to humans for companionship, and who in turn, tried to find her a family of her own.
It began in 2004, when Namibian filmmaker Herbert Brauer arrived in Liuwa National Park, Zambia to make a wildlife documentary. He noticed a single lioness in the distance, watching his every move and over the subsequent weeks she began to follow him during his daily filming; she even slept next to his tent at night, purring. He realised humans had become her only comfort.
I found it remarkable that she would attempt to seek company with other humans especially as her own pride had been slaughtered by poachers five years earlier – hence her enforced solitude.
The story goes on to tell of how Brauer set about the task of re-introducing male lions into the park as her only chance of companionship and motherhood.
Footnote: As of writing this Lady Liuwa still lives in Liuwa National Park.
Tailor-made holidays to Zambia with Audley
41 Responses to “Lady Liuwa – The Last Lioness”
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FrankSandy on May 13th, 2010
I watched this documentary and was moved by this story.
Is there an update? How have things worked out with the two male lions that were brought in?
What will happen in the future, once her female cubs are old enough to have cubs of their own?
Shaun Embury on May 17th, 2010
Frank
As of writing this Lady Liuwa is still living in Liuwa National Park with the two male lions introduced in May 2009. Although there is no sign of cubs yet they have now formed a stable pride.
Longer term, there are plans to introduce even more lions into the park.
Ric Dunford on July 11th, 2010
What a lovely story this is, I have watched it over 6 times now, and still enjoy it. Lady Liuwa is a magnificent cat. I had the pleasure of “Walking with the lions” at the ALERT facility at Livingston in January this year, and was very impressed with how the Zambian people are now carefully looking after their assts in the wildlife arena. How is that lovely Lady Luiwa going now with her two boyfriends ? Does anybody know if she has had any cubs yet? I hope to visit Liuwa Plains soon when I visit my old home of Mufulira.
Mary on July 16th, 2010
hey
i’ve watched the documentary too!
indeed a nice one =)
jianling89 on July 18th, 2010
im from singapore and i just watched this show on national geographic channel. i can only say that im touched, and hope everything goes well with the lioness. shes friendly ^^
Pat Kelly on July 20th, 2010
Ih 2004 we camped on the ridge amongst the trees in Liuwa just west of the abandoned lodge (which was about to be renovated).One morning approx 5.30 am we had Lion thru our camp—much grunting –we later picked up the spoor.We went out at first light & saw what we now must assume was Lady Liuwa.We advised the ranger who my son knew & he was most delighted to hear of the sighting.
It is wonderful to view the incredible video & to think that we probably were some of the few to have seen her
Great work youre doing
Regards
Pat Kelly
Anup on August 1st, 2010
One of the ultimate Animal Documentaries I have seen so far…. Just awesome..
John D on August 30th, 2010
One of the most moving pieces of film I’ve ever seen.Keep up the good work and regards to Lady.greetings from Ireland
kean on September 5th, 2010
hey guys it touched my heart that lady liuwa was so lonly through human destruction i dont know why we need to shoot animals,im glad that they didnt get her and that you guys are trying to help the defenceless slorter of animals keep up the great work /i hope that the males are successful andlady has cubs/shame shame on us for causing this i only hope that we can fix it and hopfully stop the killing of animals and taking their land
Monika on September 8th, 2010
This documentary is really heartbreaking because of the death of so many inocent and beautiful animals, but it is also great to know that so many people care of the problem of hunting. I hope Lady will have a wonderful life and cubs of her own. She definitely deserves it.
Greetings from Slovakia
Monika
susan126 on September 12th, 2010
I’m watching it now on Animal Planet…
susan126 on September 12th, 2010
Update as of May 7th, 2010
Update, Lady Liuwa, The Last Lioness
Lady Liuwa, the last remaining lioness on the Liuwa Plain has captured the hearts of many people around the world. We have had enquiries as to progress from literally all around the globe! The good news is that the males introduced in May 2009 have stayed with her and they are a solid pride unit now. They range in the home range of the lioness and she has taught them the ways of survival in the Liuwa environment. There has been repeated mating but no successful conception – yet. We are still optimistic as it is normal for a lioness to hold off on conceiving for some time after new males arrive (to make sure they do not invest energy in cubs from wandering males that could be killed by other males that move in later). The story of Lady Liuwa has been brilliantly captured in a documentary being circulated on National Geographic called “The Last Lioness”.
The translocation of the two males is part of a strategy formulated by African Parks management to restore a viable population on lions in Liuwa, once renowned for its large prides of big bodies lions. This is a vital programme for the rehabilitation of the ecological processes that have operated on the plain for millennia as well as improving Liuwa as a destination where tourists can experience these and other predators in their natural environment. A fully functioning and ecologically healthy park is critical to the future development of this remote corner of Western Zambia.
Craig Reid
Project Coordinator – Liuwa Plain National Park
May 7th, 2010
ali faraj on October 17th, 2010
Best documentary ever ! I really enjoyed watching it and I wanted to know if the is any article abou The Last Lioness so i could read more about her
Shaun Embury on October 18th, 2010
Ali
I don’t know of anymore ‘articles’ aside from what you’ll find simply Googling “Lady Liuwa”.
However, the best source for periodic updates is probably The African Parks Network website, a link to which I’ve already posted in the comments section above.
Shaun
Georgia Blainey on January 10th, 2011
I have studied Lady Liuwa, The Last Lioness & Liuwa Plain ever since I watched The Last Lioness on National Geographic Wild and she is a fighter. She never gives up and niether did African Parks Network & Herbert Bruer. They carried on the tranlocation even after one male died. I respect them and Lady & I hope you do too. One day I hope to visit her in Liuwa Plain but that could be a long time from now as I am only 11 years old, but that’s my goal.
Yours sincerely
G Blainey.
Callum on February 16th, 2011
I remember watching this:’)
it was so amazing and really touching,
I hope one day i will be able to visit her as well!
jp2008 on March 7th, 2011
I saw your show on the National Geographic channel and I was moved by what has happend to her pride. She went through a lot of suffering and humans were the only ones that she could turn to. I think we need strickter laws to protect these animals so she and other lions can be free to roam the parks and not get killed or injured.
bergenjo on March 10th, 2011
This was an amazing story and I think you have done the right thing for her. After all it was humans that destroyed her pride.The impact was the same as Christian the Lion.Keep up the good work and heres hoping she has a litter.
jp2008 on March 14th, 2011
If human use fertility drugs to conceive then why not try it on Lady Liuwa. Maybe then she will conceive and have some cubs.
Shaun Embury on March 15th, 2011
I’ve just seen that the African Parks Service posted a news update on Lady Liuwa last month. They say she is still doing well and remains in the company of the two male lions which were introduced in 2009.
Unfortunately, there are still no signs of cubs and they are pessimistic that this will ever happen. However, to ensure a viable and long lasting lion population in Liuwa Plain, the Parks Service is contemplating introducing a couple of females at some point in the future.
kate muir on March 20th, 2011
I just tripped over the Last Lioness, and like the others i am a fan of a beautiful girl, who is no longer lonely. It is good to see such work going on. In my life time in Australia I have seen Koala become endanged, Tasmanian Tigers battling a foul cancer, so hopefully this will work out for the beautiful Lady Liuwa. In a world gone mad with floods, eathquakes and tsunami’s, it is special to see small but important gains being made for other inhabiters of this world of ours. Good luck with this project and I will watch her with interest.
Alan Bates on July 14th, 2011
What a great story. Any cubs yet?
Herbert Brauer on August 15th, 2011
Hi Everyone,
Many thanks for the feedback you’ve given us here. I’ve just arrived back in South Africa from the Japan Wildlife Film Festival. Last Lioness was very well received and I had the opportunity to meet some of the most friendly and committed people ever. Amongst the visitors were also a group of children from Fukujima who spent their summer holidays at the festival. At home they’re allowed to spend only one hour daily outside their houses because of the radiation. Their strength was something I will never forget though. The difference they’ve made to my life hopefully matches the difference the Last Lioness DVD’s I’ve given them makes to theirs. We need to remember that each one of us makes a difference at every moment of our lives. The question merely is: What difference? I won’t easily wait anymore for drama and catastrophe to happen before I finally act. I’ve started today what I wanted to do for a long time: Setting up an earth worm farm to recycle my organic waste and the next step will be setting up my own organic garden. And in addition to that it makes sense to hope and work to find another project to film, where I can share the difference others are kindly doing to my life, like Lady Liuwa and the African Parks Network have been doing.
All the best to you all,
Herb
Mr.X on August 28th, 2011
Why no update in over a year on the African Network site? Is she dead?
patti browning on August 29th, 2011
I just finished watching program regarding Lady Liuwa. {second time} It touched my heart in the same way as “simon kings Cheeta Orphans” I shall be following up frequently on both these programs. Thank you for helping these beautiful creatures.
Sam Maraís on September 5th, 2011
An inspiring African story. Africa is so diverse and at times uncompromising. However she is the cradle of nature and this marvel just emphasizes how much good there is and what can be achieved. Herbert, hats of to you and thank for this life changing documentary.
Georgia Blainey on October 17th, 2011
Hey, Jon Walker,
I will offer to help you with your book since I have lots of information on Lady Liuwa and I am willing to. Please contact me,
Georgia.
kate muir on November 6th, 2011
I have just received the update on the tranlocation of the new young lionesses. I have my fingers crossed for this next step in the story of the Liuva plains pride saga. My thoughts are with all involved. Good luck with next piece of work in this long haul. Kate
manton on November 6th, 2011
Is Lady Liuwa still alive and well, think she would be an old lady now and being looked after safely after all she has been through? Did she ever have cubs although I expect it would have been broadcast if she had? Manton
Lisa kim on November 12th, 2011
Thank you so much for dedication and hard work to look after beautiful but dangerous creatures. And another big appreciation for beautiful heart warming story. We owe you guys big time for next generation. I really hope the lady Liuwa make her own happy family soon. Cause she is gonna be a great and wise mother
jp2008 on November 16th, 2011
I wish there were a way for our sweet lioness to become a mom! Why aren’t there fertilty drugs for lions and other endangered speices like her? I think this would help animals like her.
Shaun Embury on November 18th, 2011
A quick update on this story…
There are still no cubs for Lady Liuwa and the prospects of this ever happening are now very unlikely it seems.
However some good news is that two lionesses have been relocated to Liuwa Plain National Park, in the hope that they will eventually produce a viable lion population in the area by breeding with the two lions that were originally introduced for Lady Liuwa.
manton on December 8th, 2011
Todays date is 8 December 2011, is Lady Liuwa still on this earth? Often wonder about her. Manton
sharon s on January 8th, 2012
I have just watched the story about Lady Liuwa, which left me wanting more information so I promptly got on here. I am deeply saddened to read that she has never had cubs, I would love to hear about what is going on with her now, if there have been cubs born to the other females, if Lady Liuwa is okay and if the pride is thriving? Please update on all progress? Thanks.
jurassicgeek on January 8th, 2012
It is a bit sad that the links dont work but I really would like to know the progress of the relocations. The story of Lady Liuwa on TV was incredible. Are you doing regular updates on her/their progress?
Ann C on January 9th, 2012
I have just seen the documentary about Lady Liuwa and am also interested in knowing the current situation at the Park, regarding the lions. I have looked at the African Parks website and found nothing apart from a 2008 photo of Lady Liuwa. The link provided by Shaun comes up with the message that the link can’t be found.
Can anyone help with news?
Ann
Ange on January 9th, 2012
I watched “The Last Lioness” last night on Channel 7 here in Sydney and was moved to tears, I would like to thank all involved for making a story so heart wrenching, an amazing lady and so tough.
Shaun Embury on January 9th, 2012
I see that the African National Parks website has been through a recent redesign.
Unfortunately, one side affect of this is that the various news pages about Lady Liuwa – which I had linked to and which went into some detail about her – have now disappeared. I have therefore removed these links.
Surprisingly, there doesn’t appear to be any information about Lady Liuwa on their site anymore. That said, I will check periodically to see if this changes and will of course let you know of any future developments.
Shaun
Keza on January 10th, 2012
I loved the doco on Lady Liuwa, so sad she didn’t have babies of her own. It must have been so hard for Herbert not to allow her to come up to him and let her instigate a closer bond (touching). Amazing respect for wildlife photographers and National Park staff for the jobs they do (envy as well), the footage in this film was brilliant. I do hope she is still alive? Going to name my next cream kitten after her.
Dasha on January 23rd, 2012
I am really shocked from this film. I was crying the whole time! I want to help her so much! Please if somebody will know about her some new information wright it down here!I love you lady…thanks national geographic…
Russia
Kamchatka
jp2008 on January 23rd, 2012
I love you lady! I hope that you can have cubs someday. You would make a great mother!