The greatest part about having so many lion cubs on the property is the abundance of adorable content that we are able to capture and share with everyone. In my honest opinion, there can never be too much cub footage being put out and the reality is that times like these do not come around often and so when they do, one needs to make the most of it. Never in my career at Londolozi have I witnessed lion cubs this small and in such abundance, and I may never again. Plus they’re just so incredibly cute. I thought I would share some of my favourite moments with the cubs from the last few weeks.
So sit back and enjoy and long may this glut of cub viewing last…
A tender moment shown between mother and cub. The tightly shut eyes are what get me! Lions rub heads with each other as a form of affection and the act enhances the (already strong) bond between individuals.
What is interesting about this image, is not simply the fact that there are lion cubs out in the open, but rather this is not the mother of these cubs. This Ntsevu lioness was actually in the process of leading these cubs back towards their mother.
Lion cubs love to mimic the adults’ behaviour and tend to start drinking water as early as two to three weeks of age. By nature, the species is hesitant of water and so to see cubs of this age drinking nearby was an absolute treat. The reflection was an added bonus!
Mother and cub. It’s hard to believe that one day these tiny little cubs will follow in their parents’ footsteps and become the apex predators that rule the roost on Londolozi. This lioness’s head likely weighs more than the entire cub.
“See ya!” My finger happened to click the shutter as this little cub closed one eye in an attempt to protect it from a disturbing fly but it could be mistaken for the cub winking at the camera.
“Peek-a-boo.” Even though the cubs have become relatively relaxed with our presence, we are still fairly unfamiliar to them. This little one glances our way from behind its mother’s back.
Potentially my favourite photograph from this series. This little cub was in a playful mood, temporarily glancing at us whilst climbing a small tree. Play is an essential part of learning to survive as an adult, in this photograph you can see the cub’s claws protruding – helping it climb.
Two youngsters look for attention from one of their potential fathers, one of the Ndzhenga Males. We are hoping that these males will be able to successfully defend their territory for the next while and in doing so increase the likelihood of survival of these cubs.
The cubs are becoming more and more inquisitive. This particular little one was intrigued by our vehicle and decided to stroll away from its mother towards us.
At times I have struggled to decide whether I should be photographing the cubs, trying to take videos of them, or just sitting and enjoying the scenes playing out before our eyes. I’m incredibly grateful that we have been able to do all of the above over the last few weeks and hope that we will be able to continue doing so. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics play out in the weeks to come as the mothers continue introducing their cubs to the rest of the pride. To conclude, here is a video of some tender moments in video form, enjoy!
Lovely photography. I agree with you – my favourite is the little cub in the tree. The expression on the little face is magic.
You’ve outdone yourself with this blog, Robbie! My favorite is the same as yours, but coming in second is the cub and its reflection and third, the cub with its papa – a rare sight to see such interaction with cubs that young. Enjoy while it lasts! By the time I get there [mid-May] they’ll be all grown up. 🙂
I think this should have come with a cuteness warning
You are completely right, Robert: One can never get enough footage of cubs.
They are just so adorable and super cute!!
Thanks for the great photos and the lovely video clips.
I am really looking forward to meeting and watching these cubs in a few months, though they will already be much bigger by then, of course.
Oh my gosh, such precious little cubs. peek a boo and the one posing in the tree are my favorites.
Absolutely brilliant post highlighting your time spent with these adorable little cubs. Your video is priceless, especially the interaction between the Ndhzenga male and his possible offspring as well as the scene at the edge of the water. I’m hoping to see a few of these playful little ones during my stay!!
Cuteness overload!!!
Sweet blog, Rob! Lion cubbies just have to make everyone smile! I agree with your choice of favorite image – that little one is simply adorable with her liquid eyes and soon-to-be-ferocious claws!
Such a special, lovely blog Robbie. We hope the little cubs are thriving. We felt so lucky to be able to see them when they were so tiny.
Robert, thanks for the blog on the lion cubs. You can not say cute or great photo enough.
Robert these little bundles of fur are gorgeous and very mischievous. Good to see the lionesses look out for each other’s cubs. Lots of beautiful foto’s and the video is awesome. Robert do you know what is going on with the point system for the month of April. Seems to be incorrect.
Great pics and video. Can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Beautiful post Robert. The sheer number of images is stunning, not to mention the content. And I love your reflection as to whether you should be capturing the cubs in photo and video, or just simply enjoy them. A real conundrum! Happily, there were enough opportunities to do both, much to our mutual benefit!
Wow amazing lion series. My favorite is the one hanging over the branch. They are all wonderful!!!!
Robert, thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous images and video. Those cubs are just soooo cute. Have all the Ntsevu females had litters now?
I love the image of the cub climbing. It looks like it’s posing for a glamour shot! Absolutely adorable.
Hello Kyle, this are the video and pictures of the Year! Absolutely stunning, amazing, cute and simply beautiful like a natural fairytale. I am so happy this is our Easter surprise, thank you. If I were in your shoes I think I wouldn’t have been able to take good pictures, as it is so elating!
Thank you for sharing these outstanding photos and video footage. Nice to see Auntie leading the cubs back to Mama and also despite the annoyance factor, how playfully the Male lion treated the cubs! Fabulous. Hope we can see more of them as they mature.
Robert, Thanks for the awesome Lion cub shots! The video is so cute and captivating!
Robbie. Just now getting to your Lion Cubs post. Your favorite is also mine. I was reading stretched out with my computer in my lap. When this playful photo scrolled in I had direct eye contact with that Cutie Pie!! Thanks for a day brightener…come July they will not be so roly poly cute!!!