Baboon Kidnaps Lion Cub and Grooms It

By Josie November 20th, 2023

In the heart of Africa’s wild we stumble upon an extremely rare sight: a baboon kidnaps a tiny and helpless lion cub, bringing it to the tree tops and starts grooming it.

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Although this might seem heartwarming, it's probable the baboon has a more sinister master plan.

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Are Baboons Dangerous?

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[{"selector":"#anim-966fbdd7-57df-4c90-81b6-e6f206f1638c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-114.81482%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-85535869-4bfc-4567-9887-9302b09bae6a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0ae66581-9b87-4d0f-8d47-fe148aae392f","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] Baboons are strong, intelligent, and can be aggressive. This is especially so when their territory is encroached upon or if a fellow family member is harmed. Baboons are strong, intelligent, and can be aggressive. This is especially so when their territory is encroached upon or if a fellow family member is harmed. Learn more

A Complex Relationship

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Baboons know full and well that lions are a deadly threat. But seeing as they are unable to directly confront these formidable predators, they instead resort to stealing their cubs.

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Baboon Kidnaps Lion Cub

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Even the king of the jungle can find himself outwitted by baboons – the tables between predator and prey can turn in a second.

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Swipe up for the video!

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Baboon Kidnaps Lion Cub and Grooms It

In the heart of Africa’s wild we stumble upon an extremely rare sight: a baboon kidnaps a tiny and helpless lion cub, bringing it to the tree tops and starts grooming it.

Although this might seem heartwarming, it's probable the baboon has a more sinister master plan.

It’s not unusual for baboons to seek revenge on the king of the jungle by stealing their cubs.

Are Baboons Dangerous?

Are Baboons Dangerous?

A Complex Relationship

A Complex Relationship

Baboons know full and well that lions are a deadly threat. But seeing as they are unable to directly confront these formidable predators, they instead resort to stealing their cubs.

Baboon Kidnaps Lion Cub

Baboon Kidnaps Lion Cub

Even the king of the jungle can find himself outwitted by baboons – the tables between predator and prey can turn in a second.

Swipe up for the video!

Swipe up for the video!

Keep Exploring