For many, just seeing a lioness with her cubs would be an unforgettable experience. In this footage, the presence of a very unique cub made the experience all the more special for this lucky observer.
Marguerite Strydom submitted this endearing footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Watch the video now:
Mother and cub
As we join Marguerite at the sighting, we encounter a scene that makes the heart melt. While her mother rests, a tiny lion cub suckles greedily.
Lions give birth after a 110-day gestation in a secluded den site. For the next couple of weeks, she barely leaves them, as they are entirely dependent on her for their survival.
A very special arrival
Suddenly, another very special cub joins the scene. It is immediately obvious that it is different from its sibling.
As you can see, the cub is almost entirely white. However, it is not an albino, as some might conclude.
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Rare recessive gene
Its white colour is because both of its parents carry a rare recessive gene, resulting in a condition known as leucism.
The gene is unique to wild lions that roam the Timbavati and parts of the adjacent Kruger National Park. Unlike albinos, their eyes, nose, and foot pads match a regular lion’s.
Mama’s love
Having greeted her sibling, the pale cub goes over to greet her mother with a typical muzzle rub. Thankfully, despite her unique colour, her mother accepts her absolutely.
However, this is not always the case. It is just one of several challenges white lions must face to survive. Not only is their natural camouflage compromised, but it also makes them easy targets for other predators and susceptible to skin diseases.
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Play builds bonds
Subsequently, its tawny sibling finishes feeding and comes over. As social creatures, lions create deep and lasting bonds within their pride structures.
And, for young cubs, these bonds are formed from the moment they become active. After all, what better way to grow than with a playmate?
As such, it doesn’t take much for the tawny cub to entice her white sibling to play. What better way to work off a full tummy than a game of rough & tumble?
Needing no encouragement, the white cub leaves mum and tackles her sibling. The skills the pair pick up wrestling will stand them in good stead as they learn to hunt.
Saving her energy
Like typical kids, they show little regard for their mother’s need to rest. One can only admire her patience as they gambol about her.
Never mind how she manages to continue sleeping as the tawny cub jumps on top of her.
Despite being considered part of the game, she is not about to join in. As their sole provider, she needs her rest.
Thankfully, the interruption is short-lived, and the video ends with the two cubs wrestling in the soft grass as Mum sleeps on.
