H3_W4_001

Date: 2022

Location: Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Did you know?

The same jaws that can crush a Cape Buffalo’s bones can gently carry a cub. Lioness mothers pick up the cub by the scruff of the neck. As a reflex action, the cub instinctively goes into an inert state by relaxing every muscle and staying still. Cubs also tuck their tails and lower paws upwards to prevent getting caught on sharp thorns or rocks. Lionesses move their cubs every few weeks for the first 2-3 months of the cubs’ lives. This is done to throw other animals off the scent and sounds of young cubs in the vicinity.

About the picture

This photo was taken in Amboseli National Park in 2022. Disturbed by a nearby herd of elephants, this mother decided to move her cubs out of their hiding place. Since the cubs were too small, she carried each one to a safer place. This was the first time I was able to see a lioness carrying such a young cub. Truly memorable.

Fun Fact

Lionesses find lions with darker and longer manes more attractive.