Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

The lioness and cub are resting on green grass together on each other’s sides. Both animals, the lioness, and young cub look into the sky. Something unusual must have caught their attention.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 17 July, 2023

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This photograph was captured with a X-H1 and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Exposure time: 1/1500s
  • ISO: 4000
  • Focal Length: 560mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 6000 by 4000 pixels (WxH).

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A lioness and a cute cub are resting on the green grass on each other’s side. Something unusual must have caught their eyes. Both animals, the lioness and cub look into the sky. They are lying on the edge of a small water hole. Behind the remarkable lions is a large tree trunk. One piece of this bright trunk is just above the two lion heads. Further in the back, you see the water of the watering hole, surrounded by green grass.

Lioness & Cub Tender Moment

When a mother lioness introduces her cubs to the lion pride, the other lionesses will also nurse and care for those baby lions. It is genuinely communal care. However, if female lions already have cubs in the pride that are three months older, another mother will not introduce her younger cubs to the lion family.

Because of communal nursing, the older cubs will not let the younger cubs drink milk. That behavior causes, most of the time, death. Therefore, the young cubs and mothers will stay away from their pride until they eat meat. Unfortunately, the majority of lion cubs born do not make it to their first birthday.

The male lions, fathers, do not take care of their babies; however, they will protect the lion family from danger. The mother is in charge of teaching her cubs how to hunt. Hunting lessons for cute cub begins when they are about three months old. They need to learn how a lion in the grass can prowl on their prey.

The African lions, Panthera Leo, are in the category of vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

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1 comment for Lioness & Cub Look Into The Sky

  1. Ruth Koprek

    This is so poignant. You can tell they are so relaxed and enjoying themselves. A complete masterpiece.

    • Anette Mossbacher

      These two lions enjoy each other company. Mother and cub have their intimate moment. Thanks so much, Ruth.

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