Images & Text by Jaci’s Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
In the southern part of the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the lionesses has recently been seen quite frequently with her two remaining young cubs. One morning, we were only a few vehicles in the area, searching for her where she had last been seen the night before. Fortunately we soon got lucky and since it was a quiet morning, we had the privilege to spend the better part of it with her and the rest of the pride.
Image by Jaci’s Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
The two little ones were crawling all over one of the two males, having great fun. He was very patient and never once growled at them. As the sun kept rising, the shade from the bushes grew smaller and eventually they all moved closer together under one of the larger ones. When the second male wanted to squeeze in between his brother a female, to also get some shade, patience had however worn thin.
Image by Jaci’s Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
In a blur, with teeth, claws and growling on all ends, the three lions were tumbling around in a furry ball of fury. The dispute was quickly settled though and the latecomer reluctantly went for a rest in a patch a bit sunnier than he would have preferred… at least for a little while.
Image by Jaci’s Photographic Guide, Anja Riise
Normally no grudges are held and soon the brothers would be the best of friends again. The two cubs got the fright of their lives however and had gone scurrying off, to not accidentally get in between the combatants. Carefully they now made their way back to the rest of the pride and with some reassurance from the shade winning male, peace was restored.
Image by Jaci’s Photographic Guide, Anja Riise