Lions are Africa’s apex predator. But to earn that title, cubs must survive a multitude of challenges while growing up. Having a caring mother watching over them dramatically improves the odds.
David den Hartog sent this endearing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at MalaMala, in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
A mother at rest?
The video opens to a placid scene, giving no clue of the drama about to unfold. A lone lioness gazes towards the camera while resting on the bank of the Sand River.
But, we wonder, is she looking at the camera or has something got her attention? A short while later, our question is answered…
Separated from Mum
Then, we see movement on the near bank. It is a lion cub, separated from its mother by the swiftly flowing stream.
Helped by David’s commentary, we piece together what has happened. The lioness crossed the river ahead of the cub, and she is now waiting for it to follow her.
This may well be the first time the cub has had to cross a river, and it is understandably nervous. Meanwhile, its mother calmly and patiently waits for it to muster its courage.
Splashdown
No sooner does David tell his guests that she is trying to get the cub to cross than it takes the plunge. Presumably, the lioness has decided this is a lesson the cub can only learn by experience.
Although the water is only a few feet deep, it is too deep for the cub to walk through. Accordingly, it advances in a leaping fashion.
Swift current
However, as it gets deeper, the current starts to carry the sodden cub downstream. Seeing this, the lioness grows concerned and rises to her feet.
Besides the current, the river is home to large crocodiles that would not hesitate to attack the struggling cub.
Environmental factors are among the many threats facing young cubs, along with other predators, disease, and starvation. Only 20 – 50% of cubs survive to maturity.
Don’t give up
Thankfully, as the lioness wades into the shallows, her little one makes good progress. As it does, she calls softly to it, encouraging it not to give up.
Moments later, the cub’s paws touch the riverbed…
Relieved that her cub is safe, Mum nuzzles it tenderly. However, as the cub makes its way to the far bank, Mum once again looks across the river.
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Second cub must cross
No sooner do we think we can breathe a sigh of relief than the camera settles on a second cub. Evidently, it too was on the near bank and must cross.
Emboldened at seeing its sibling make it safely across, the cub takes the plunge while its family members look on.
Thankfully, it too makes it across, successfully negotiating the current while avoiding the crocs that must surely be lurking nearby.
Safely back with Mum, it too receives a welcoming nuzzle. With her family finally reunited, they turn to leave the river once and for all.
No looking back
As the video draws to its end, Mum looks back at the camera as if to tell us she knew it would work out in the end.
With many challenges ahead, we wish her well.