It feels only fitting that she chose this powerful portal to return to the stars. Her name, which means “StarLight” in the Tsonga language, reflects the essence of who she truly is. Now, radiating from the Heavenly realms, her light will continue to guide us from above.

Khanyisa and her beautiful sister Nyaleti (another star name from the Tsonga language) were donated to our project in 2008 by Makalali Private Nature Reserve, a vast area of some 61 000 hectares, which now neighbours our own Malachite Private Nature Reserve.

Joining our free-roaming White Lion founder pride, the sisters lived a life that touched the hearts not only of White Lion Kings, Regeus and Letaba (as shown in the National Geographic documentary, Return of the White Lions), but of her human LionHearted pride, as well.

Sharing a deep, soul-level bond with her sister Nyaleti, they came to be known as The Golden Girls. They were inseparable and spent every moment together.

I came to witness how Khanyisa was not just a lioness, but a teacher of immense depth, her presence holding deep wisdom and quiet strength. Sadly, lessons in grieving, were at the forefront of her life’s experience.

Free-roaming our southern territories of Mbube, joining Letaba and Regeus in impressive takedowns of small and large prey, including giraffe and buffalo, they continued to impress us all. Until one tragic day, when Khanyisa discovered Nyaleti caught in a poacher’s snare.

That day marked the beginning of a long period of mourning for Khanyisa. The grief was overwhelming. She shut down completely and disconnected from the world around her. For more than four years, she stood apart from the prides that were available to her, barely engaging, visibly lost in sorrow. Anyone who observed her could feel the weight of what she carried.

But love and connection have a way of finding us, even in the darkest moments. After years of quiet holding intention, something miraculous happened! A wild lioness from Timbavati region dug her way under the fence of our project. Her arrival felt guided, divinely timed. We named her Khanyesi yet another stellar derivative. As it later turned out, she too had lost her sister, who had been tragically poisoned. She arrived deeply traumatised, mirroring Khanyisa’s loss.

What followed between these two lionesses was nothing short of miraculous. They recognised the light in the other. Through the shared thread of grief, they began to rebuild, slowly lifting each other out of the darkness. Over time, their bond grew strong, immensely strong and their connection brought rays of new life into the project when Khanyesi gave birth to a single lone cub – the extraordinary Royal King Ingwavuma.

This is highly unusual, as lion litters average at 3 cubs. His arrival marked the turning point in the Royal lineage dating back to our founder lioness, Marah. Together, Khanyisa and Khanyesi raised him. Khanyisa, in her deep wisdom and devotion, took on the role of auntie with immense love, protection and presence, treating Ingwavuma as her own. She helped ensure that the White Lion heritage did not fade but flourished.

Through this story, we have witnessed something rare and profound; the healing of deep grief through the connection of kindred spirits. We have seen what happens when love is stronger than sorrow. And we have learned how divine timing brings souls together for a greater purpose.

Interspecies Communication (IIC) Evidenced
In a powerful demonstration of Interspecies Communication (IIC), Linda Tucker and Wynter Worsthorne conveyed to the Khanyisa and Nyaleti, that if they wished, of their own free will, to be part of a groundbreaking project led by the White Lions, they would need to present themselves at the warden’s home. Remarkably, within the vast 61,000-hectare reserve, the lions did exactly that. This extraordinary moment is documented in Wynter’s book Where Is Biggles?, offering compelling evidence of the depth of understanding and connection possible between humans and other species.

Khanyisa’s life and legacy will never be forgotten. She showed us that lions are extraordinarily sentient beings, feeling pain and suffering deeply. We have recognized that grief is not only a human prerogative, we have also seen that healing is possible even after the deepest heartbreak. Her story continues to teach us how consciousness moves through both the physical and the spiritual, and role in this project has been sacred and her presence will be remembered and celebrated, always.

As we lay her to rest, we do so with immense gratitude. Mbube Land Manager, Sibosiso Ngobeni, Revelation and their team, including the Anti-Poaching Unit who ensured her health and protection ever since that tragic day of losing her sister Nyaleti, gathered to pay their respects. She will forever be honoured for all she gave, for all she taught and for the privilege of walking beside such a conscious and luminous being. While she now walks among the stars, her spirit remains with us – guiding, protecting and shining, just as she always has.

Thank you, Khanyisa. Your radiant Starlight will never fade.