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Lion Cubs’ First Toys – Playtime for Predators

Lion Cubs
Lion Cubs Playing with their Toys. Image by Tanganyika Wildlife Park via YouTube

In the savannah of the world where loud sounds like the roaring of a lion is heard, a gentle snap is depicted. Three little lion cubs are portrayed as three bags packed into tiny bodies full of curiosity and decide on an exciting adventure.

Part of their playground, their world, their reality: their first toys. This is their introduction to a life that is meant to be full of play and learning, and occasional battle. People will surely embrace the beauty and the grace as we take them through the magical lives of these creatures at this sensitive stage.

Cub’s First Toy

Cub Getting Scolded by Lioness
Cub Getting Scolded by Lioness. Image (Screenshot) by MalaMala Game Reserve via YouTube

The scene is heartwarming. Three lion cubs learn to interact with toys for the first time. It seems they are a team that knows how to find ways to lose but they never lose spirit. All of them are six weeks old and this clip shows them as each baby cub struggling to learn how to play.

Playful Learning

Cub Head Patted by Lioness
Cub Head Patted by Lioness. Image (Screenshot) by MalaMala Game Reserve via YouTube

Their play is more than the enthusiasm of playing games or fun. This is important in enabling the child to grow and maximize on the potential that they possess. They are able to play, to enjoy the company of fellow animals, and to discover how to get food. These skills are essential so that young ones remain alive and be able to adapt in the wild.

Life’s Tough Start

Female white lion with two newborn lion cubs.
Female white lion with two newborn lion cubs. Image via Depositphotos.

But life for these cubs isn’t all play. In the wild, their journey begins with challenges. They start with mother’s milk, then quickly move to meat. This diet is essential for their growth.

Harsh Wilderness

Two white lion cub yawning
Two white lion cub yawning. Image via Depositphotos.

Out there, in the vast wilderness, dangers lurk. Only a few cubs make it to adulthood3. They must learn quickly, from their mother and their pride.

Two white lions cubs
Two white lions cubs. Image via Depositphotos.

Physical Characteristics

African lion in Kruger National park, South Africa
Specie Panthera leo family of felidae. Image via Depositphotos

Size and Weight:

Lioness with Cubs drinking water.
Lioness with Cubs drinking water. Image via Depositphotos

Lion cubs begin their lives as small and helpless as human new-borns, averaging between 3 and 4 pounds at birth. But do not underestimate this little animal because, with time, they ‘transform’ into rather grand animals.

Lions also have a body length of 7 to 9 feet long in the case of males excluding the tail and have a weight of 330 to 550 pounds. It is slightly smaller, with lengths ranging from 6 to 8 feet and a weight averaging at 260 to 400 pounds.

Coat and Color:

Naughty Cub Playing with Lioness
Naughty Cub Playing with Lioness. Image (Screenshot) by MalaMala Game Reserve via YouTube

Its skin is soft and grayish-brown, with irregular dark spots on the body, which could be used as cover. It becomes a smoother, tawny color as the three cubs grow up, a nice shade of which allows them to hide well in the vast, grassy plains that is the backdrop of their lives.

Behavior

White lion cub showing belly
White lion cub showing belly. Image via Depositphotos.

Social Structure:

Lion drinking water and looking at the camera
Lion drinking water and looking at the camera. Image via Depositphotos

Lions are known to be sociable and friendly animals, and these characters are applicable to lion cubs as well. Males are absent and lionesses will live in a group with other females and their young as part of a pride.

Females, on the other hand, remain with mothers and other female members of the group for quite a long time whereas, males, leave the group when they reach maturity. It is because through cooperation the pride is able to hunt, thanks to which they can survive.

Territory and Marking:

Group of Lioness drinking water
Group of Lioness drinking water. Image via Depositphotos

Lion prides claim specific territories for hunting. Male lions mark and defend these areas, using their scent glands and strategic urination.

Life Cycle

Lion Cub Roars for Mom
Left image by Gal Shapira. Right image by Mike Knibbs. Both via Pexels.

Birth and Early Days:

lions cubs
Pride of Lions in the Wild. Image by CS-WildCAM via Youtube

Lion cubs are often born in concealed nests apart from the rest of the pride and are moved only when necessary. They breast feed their young ones for half a year but the young once begins to hunt for meat at the age of three months. Sadly, anything from 50 to 80 percent of lion cubs are likely to perish within the first couple of years for reasons such as famines, and male take-over.

Our Thoughts

White lion cub. The white lion is a colour mutation of the Transvaal lion (Panthera leo krugeri), also known as the Southeast African lion or Kalahari lion. Image via depsitphotos.

When exploring the life of lion cubs, we can find out about their character and strength, flexibility of organism and kinds of misadventures that they can experience. From tiny funny kitty to proud independent cats, these little kings and queens want to conquer the world.

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