Unfortunately, no information was provided regarding who submitted this video or where it was filmed.
Lions in the road
As the video rolls, we see an unusual sight. Two lion cubs are in the middle of a road.
While one lies down, its sibling trots along ahead of it. We note how the nearer cub’s ribcage is visible, suggesting it may have been a while since they had a decent meal.
Obviously, this is not just any road. And, while we can’t tell you where the road is, it is safe to assume that it is in a national park, probably South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Out with Mum
As the camera zooms out, it is with relief that we realise the cubs are not alone. Walking along with them is a fully-grown lioness, presumably their mother.
Now, you might wonder why they are walking in the road. And, the answer is pretty straightforward. It’s easier and more comfortable to walk on.
It also has the advantage of giving the mother a long view ahead, in case there is any danger.
And the rest of the family?
Readers might also wonder where the rest of the pride is. Unfortunately, the video doesn’t offer us any clues in that regard, except for the size of the cubs.
When lionesses are ready to give birth, they leave the pride and find a safe den site. At birth, her cubs are effectively helpless and would not be able to keep up with the pride as it roams its territory.
Furthermore, she wants to protect them from possible harm, both from other predators and members of her own pride.
At the time the video was made, she may have been in the process of relocating her cubs to a new den site or taking them to meet the pride for the first time.
Right of way
In the image below, we see the little family approaching a stationary vehicle.
In South Africa’s national parks, all drivers must give right of way to the wildlife. Therefore, it is good to see the vehicle start to reverse to make way for the lions.
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Motherhood: lion-style
As mentioned earlier, lionesses give birth in secluded spots away from the rest of the pride.
Females are pregnant for about 110 days, giving birth to litters of 2 – 4 cubs. The cubs cannot see at birth, but by a week old, they can see.
Integration of the cubs into the pride starts at between 6 – 8 weeks old. However, if other pride females give birth around the same time, this may occur earlier.
Once integrated, the cubs suckle indiscriminately from any lactating female. Typically, cubs begin the weaning process at six months of age, gradually moving onto an entirely carnivorous diet.
At around one year old, the cubs will start joining hunts, having practised their stalking skills with their siblings and pride mates. At two years, they are competent hunters in their own right.
Life on the move
After walking only a short distance, one of the cubs again lies down at the side of the road before getting up again as its sibling nears.
We do hope that the young family made it safely to their destination. Life is full of uncertainties, even for the king of the jungle.
