Adorable Lion Cubs Struggle To Follow Their Mama

In this adorable video, two lion cubs follow their mama across what seems to be an easy terrain. But their short little legs struggle to keep up with her long strides! Let’s learn a bit more about how these babies learn to survive.

Small, Fierce Cubs

lion cubs playing — Lion cub playfully slaps their pal. Image by nicholas_dale via Depositphotos

It is mind-boggling to think that these tiny cubs struggling to cross the terrain will grow into big, powerful, and agile predators. Even more so when you learn that lion cubs are born with their eyes closed and no teeth. Depending on their mama’s protection and care for the first couple months of their lives.

How Do They Survive?

Lion cubs in a morning light at Amboseli — Lion cubs in the morning light at Amboseli, Kenya. Image by RealityImages via DepositPhotos

Mama lions hide their cubs from the world for the first 2 months of their lives. During this time they drink her milk and are normally completely weaned by 10 months. While hidden from the world, the cubs learn how to walk and grow their baby teeth. They spend their time playing with each other and napping up to 20 hours a day.

Learning The World

Tiny lion cubs with mother. Image by lifeonwhite via Depositphotos

When their mama introduces them to the rest of the pride between two and three months old, they also eat meat for the first time. And by the time they reach one year old they only eat meat. Although they only eat meat, lion cubs only start hunting at about two years old – a skill taught by their mama.

Growing Up

portrait of lion cub — They are highly social animals, living in groups called prides, which consist of related females, their offspring, and a coalition of males. Image by Jeff Rodgers via Unsplash

Cubs are cared for by their mamas until they are between two and three years old. During this time the lioness teaches them all the skills they need to survive and live independently. When cubs are about three years old they are fully developed and ready to take on the world by themselves!

Some Lion Cub Facts

Two lion cubs lie in long grass. Image by nicholas_dale via Depositphotos

They weigh only about 4 pounds at birth
They only open their eyes between 3 and 11 days old
They learn how to walk between 10 and 15 days old
They are born with spotted coats which disappear as they age
They sleep for around 20 hours a day

The Video

Watch the Video Here

Last Thoughts On These Lion Cubs

9 lion cubs alongside two females. Image by KirillDorofeev via Depositphotos

Seeing how tiny and helpless these powerful predators are when they are young is incredible. And even more amazing to see how caring a lioness is towards her cubs, ensuring they learn all the life skills they need to thrive in the wild before she leaves them to be independent.

About
Latest Posts

Nelleke van Niekerk, BSc Food Science (Biochemistry)

Author at Animals Around The Globe

Nelleke is an ex-food scientist turned copywriter chasing her dream of living a balanced and creative life filled with adventures and challenges. She is most likely to be found behind her laptop typing (and deleting) up a storm, reading a book in the sun, lost in the mountains admiring nature or playing in the waves somewhere.

Please send any feedback to feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com

Latest posts by Nelleke van Niekerk, BSc Food Science (Biochemistry) (see all)