Jaco Joubert, a professional safari guide at MalaMala Game Reserve in Kruger National Park was out for a drive with his group one cloudy morning when he came across an extraordinary sight! A majestic Kambula lioness walked searchingly along a road, her soft, low-frequency calls filling the air.
The guides from MalaMala Game Reserve knew of a lioness with cubs in the area, and based on the swollen teats and the calls that this particular lioness was making, Jaco deduced they were watching a new mother searching for her young.
Watch the sighting:
Tiny Roars and Big Appetites
The group followed the mother down the road, hoping to catch a glimpse of any cubs as the mother’s calls became more and more insistent. As the lioness made her way towards a thicker bush, everyone feared the cubs would remain hidden from sight.
Soon, to the group’s delight, the cubs began to emerge one by one from the bush to greet their mother. They called out to her with their adorable tiny voices.
As the mother patiently waited for her litter. Jaco and his group couldn’t believe their eyes as they watched six little cubs trot single-file down the road to meet their mother.
The Feeding Frenzy
As the cubs approached, they picked up the pace, hungrily and excitedly bouncing toward their mother. Upon finally reuniting with her, the cubs were practically jumping on the lioness with excitement as she lovingly cleaned them.
The lioness finally rolled onto her back, knowing her young were anxious to feed. Six hungry cubs all crowded around their mother’s full belly, happy that their meal was finally served!
Competition at the Dinner Table
Even before they are introduced to the pride, lion cubs have their own internal dynamics. Litters range from one to four cubs and can have a runt who is smaller in size than the rest.
In this unique litter that is six cubs large, the competition for food is even more intense. The larger cubs are often the first to arrive at the teat and tend to aggressively hold their place, while the runt is the last to get an opportunity to feed.
This mother will have her work cut out for her keeping six hungry bellies happy!
Laying Low
In the early days, lion cubs are practically helpless, with their mother as their sole provider. A lioness will move her cubs from location to location to keep them concealed from any potential predators.
Hiding spots are typically dense thickets or rocky areas that are well-hidden, and cubs know to stay put until they hear their mother’s call.
The Bigger Picture
The unbreakable bond between a lioness and her cubs is extremely fierce and is the foundation for their survival. Her love and nurturing instincts contribute to their growth, development and success in the future as part of a pride.
Jaco and his group were lucky to be able to witness such an intimate moment – a reminder of the critical role lionesses play in raising their young and maintaining the balance of the savanna.