In this short segment, we catch up with the adorable cubs of the Myambula pride—truly one of nature’s most heartwarming sights. Excuse my voice at the beginning of the video; I was just explaining some fascinating animal behavior to my guests, who were fortunate enough to witness this special moment in the wild.
The cubs, between 3 and 4 months old, were full of energy and curiosity. They used their ever-patient mother as a jungle gym, clambering over her back, swatting at her tail, and tumbling playfully around her. It’s amazing to see how tolerant lionesses are with their young, allowing this constant climbing and biting as part of the cubs’ development. This kind of play is essential—not only for bonding but also for practicing the skills they’ll need later in life as hunters and pride members.
At this age, the cubs are still mostly dependent on their mother’s milk but have started showing interest in meat. In fact, during our sighting, one of the little ones clumsily chewed on a leftover scrap from a recent kill, much to everyone’s delight. Cubs are generally weaned at around 7 months, so this transition period is a critical time as they begin to shift from milk to meat.
Watching them grow and explore their environment is a privilege, and every sighting feels like a small miracle. These young lions, with their fluffy manes and playful antics, embody the spirit of the wild. It’s moments like these that remind us just how precious—and vulnerable—these animals are. We’ll continue to follow their journey and share updates whenever we can.
