Watch the Sighting:
Joshua Loonkushu, a seasoned safari guide in Maasai Mara, filmed this comical encounter while on an evening game drive near the banks of Sand River. One day prior, he had observed a pride of lions that had recently taken down a wildebeest.
Joshua set out the next day to try to locate the pride once more, but he could never have anticipated what would happen when he found them!
A Sneaky Prankster
After an extensive search, Joshua finally found the pride sprawled out, basking in the cool evening air. Lions are notorious for their long naps, and sure enough, one of the females was fast asleep right beside the road.
He pulled his vehicle up so they were only a few meters away from her — a perfect view for his guests to admire the sleepy cat. Suddenly, something caught Joshua’s eye!
One of the male lions was silently approaching the sleeping female in a low crouch, creeping towards the female as if stalking some prey.
“In the beginning, I couldn’t imagine that the male lion was going to behave like this!” Joshua recalled.
The male moved painstakingly slowly, advancing towards the female without making a single sound, eyes locked on his target. The guests in Joshua’s vehicle held their breath, barely daring to blink.
The Rude Awakening
Finally, the male was within mere feet of the lioness, and she still didn’t wake up! Then, in a move that left everyone stunned… he bit her right in the side!
In an instant, she sprung to her feet in a fury — clawing, swinging, and growling at the male. This female was certainly angry to have been woken up from her nap.
The once-confident prankster retreated in shock, surprised by her reaction and regretting his decision. For a few tense moments, she let him have it, swiping and snarling, while the male desperately tried to defuse the situation.
It wasn’t long before the rest of the pride came over to investigate the commotion, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected drama. In the end, everyone cooled off and went back to lazing about as if the whole thing never happened.
Playful Pride Dynamics
This was a very unique sighting for Joshua, who had never seen anything like it in his eight years of guiding! It was an excellent insight into the lives of lions, beyond seeing them hunting, lounging, and fighting in territorial disputes.
Just like humans, all animals have a playful side, and lions being the most social of the big cats, certainly like to play. It is mostly the cubs that partake in wrestling, adults have been known to exhibit playful behaviour as well.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Although this male lion’s antics were likely meant in good fun, choosing to prank a sleeping lioness might not have been his best idea. No one enjoys being rudely woken up from a deep sleep—especially not a lioness with sharp claws and a bad temper!
This sighting is a perfect reminder that even in the wild, animals have personalities, moods, and unique social dynamics. Some moments are fierce, others are heartwarming—and some, like this one, are just downright hilarious!