Week 355 ( 11th - 17th June 2010 )
Cathay and 327 mate… almost
On the morning of 11 June, Cathay popped out of the trees and walked down to the Grass Camp’s fence where she sat down and stared intently into the Grass Camp at the bush where Madonna was eating. Minutes later 327 also decided to join the party. Cathay rolled at his feet and he just moaned and sidestepped to continue his search for something to eat. A while later, he approached the fence and flung a chuff at Madonna. He then walked up the fence and Cathay leapt to her feet and scurried to get ahead of him. She then lay down flat on her belly, front legs fully extended with her butt towards him and slightly raised. He accepted the invitation and mounted her. Seconds later before any mating could take place he just walked off and she again hurried after him and presented her butt for inspection but when 327 tried to sniff under her tail she raced off leaving him looking after her in confusion. Cathay then paced a short section of fence and 327 stood watching her. After a while she returned to him and presented herself; he ignored her and walked off. She tried again with the same result and then lay down on her side and watched him walk off. He lay down a few metres away. 327 had no sooner settled himself when Cathay marched over and shoved her nose into his belly. He stood up with a bellow and flounced off. In the afternoon of the same day Cathay and 327 were both pacing Grass Camp’s fence. 327 chuffed madly at Cathay every time their paths met but only once did she reciprocate. After much pacing they both stood still and 327 nuzzled Cathay amidst a mountain of chuffing. He then playfully nibbled her neck and she acquiesced to his request and lay down. She allowed him to mount her but almost immediately she got up and walked off. 327 didn’t follow but lay down where he was instead.
Two days later on 13th June Cathay made her way to the gate where 327 was crouching waiting expectantly for food.. He greeted her – not with his usual volley of mumbles and moans and occasional sharp teeth (as is usual whenever he suspects that food is on its way) – but with a softly uttered chuff. Cathay then pressed herself against him and nuzzled him under the chin. They then together (nose to tail) walked in a tight circle. She broke away and moved a few paces to the right, he placed a paw on her head and nibbled the scruff of her neck and she lay down. They mated at around 07:35 without the usual fanfare of growls and roars. After he had dismounted Cathay threw herself to the ground and rolled vigorously. She then paced the fence and 327 waited nearby for the next invitation….but none came.