Lion Pride On A Walk - Can You Count Them?

In the video below, we see a large pride of lions on a walk through the Kruger National Park. This incredible video captured by Matthew Grossett is a great display of the social nature of these majestic predators. Let’s have a look!

How Many Lions Are In A Pride?

The average pride consists of 15 to 21 lions. Most of these members are related adult females, their cubs of both sexes, as well as about 4 adult males. Most females are born into their pride, while the males join the pride after living a nomadic lifestyle.

Lion Pride Territory

A male lion (Panthera leo) stands surveying his territory in the wilderness of Savute, in Chobe National Park, Botswana. Image by CherylRamalho via Depositphotos

Lions are very territorial, and the male lions in the pride carry the responsibility of defending their territory against nomads and other threats. If their mighty roar does not ward off the threatening party, they will often fight until one comes out superior. The females also won’t allow other females to enter their territory.

How Is A Lion Pride Formed?

lions masai mara — Family picture of three lions. Taken in Masai Mara National Park, southwest Kenya. Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As mentioned earlier, females usually stay in the pride they were born in. However, some will join or form a new pride. Male lions will either live a nomadic lifestyle for a while or join a coalition with other males. Yet, it is not uncommon for lions to switch between lifestyles, meaning that a nomad or a male from a coalition might join a pride sometime during his life.

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

Prides are what we call fission-fusion societies. This means the group will stick together for certain activities like sleeping. While they separate into smaller groups for other activities, like hunting or caring for the cubs – keeping communication through their mighty roars.

Do Lions Care About Each Other?

lion cub — Lions are apex predators, capable of hunting large prey such as zebras, wildebeests, and buffalo. Image via Pexels

Lions are the most affectionate of the big cats and are often seen grooming pride members. Lionesses also team up to raise and care for cubs by sharing maternal responsibilities. For instance, cubs will drink from any lactating lioness in the pride. Keeping the cubs together also makes it easier to protect them against any threats in the wild.

Finally, The Video

YouTube video — A Pride of Lions taking afternoon walk. 📷 @mattg_wildlife. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: Animals Around The Globe

Did You Count Them?

This beautiful video of a lion pride walking in the Kruger National Park is just a small glimpse into the inner workings of these majestic predators’ social structure. You can learn more about them on our Big Cats page.

How many lions could you count?

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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.

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