Raising toddlers is hard work. As much as we love them, their constant demands can become frustrating. In this footage, a lioness’s patience is pushed to the limit.
Nick Kleer sent this adorable footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while visiting South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. Nick Kleer is a passionate wildlife guide and conservationist, known for his expertise in leading safaris across Africa and the Brazilian Pantanal.
Cute cubs suckling
Nick’s video opens with a scene that melts the heart. Four hungry lion cubs nurse greedily, while their mother tries to rest.
Notably, she has produced a large litter. Thankfully, she has four teats, meaning that each cub can get their fill.
A place at the table
However, for some reason, one of the cubs is struggling to find one to latch onto. Accordingly, it wrestles with a sibling for access.
These cubs appear to be about three months old. By now, they are part of the pride and must fight for their place in the pecking order.
Never Miss A Viral Safari Video
Relatable sightings, like this lioness being tested by her cubs, are popular with our members. To be among the first to see our latest sighting videos, join our exclusive alert list. Click the button below to join the WhatsApp chat right now and never miss another thrilling moment.
Free-for-all-for-food
Consequently, the other cub reacts by swatting its sibling on the head. While lions form strong bonds, feeding time triggers a free-for-all.
Subsequently, the cub lets go of the teat, and the pair begin to wrestle.
At this, Mom looks up, her rest disturbed by their mewling.
Her patience wearing thin, Mom snarls a warning. “Behave, or you’ll go to bed hungry!”
Food over fighting
However, disturbed by its squabbling siblings, a third cub joins the spat.
That is, until they realise that there are three teats available. With milk on offer, they rush in to resume their feed.
At this, Mom hopes she can resume her slumber.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
At her wit’s end
However, in their eagerness, the cubs’ needle-sharp fangs hurt her. Again she snarls, and again she is ignored.
Frustrated, the lioness gets up. Perhaps now, her cubs will learn that respect is part of the deal.
Predictably, being the needy little furballs that they are, her departure is met with squeals of complaint. There really is no pleasing toddlers.
A compromise is reached
Torn between feeding her cubs and restoring the peace, the lioness relents and drops back to the ground. As she does, one of the cubs comes in for a cuddle.
But she is not having it. Instead, she gently pushes the cub away. She is not about to excuse misbehaviour that easily.
It’s as if she is saying, “You wanted milk, now go drink and leave me in peace!”
Chastened, the cub rejoins its greedy siblings and soon finds a place to suckle.
As Nick’s video draws to its conclusion, all four cubs are greedily gobbling Mom’s nutrient-rich milk. Soon, they will start adding meat to their diets, becoming fully weaned at around 10 months.
Until then, let’s hope their Mom finds the patience to put up with their antics.