Watch This Majestic Lioness Expel a Menacing Male Lion Threatening Her Cubs

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Written by Kellianne Matthews

Published: November 12, 2024

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Lion mother of Notches Rongai Pride with cub in Masai Mara, Kenya
Maggy Meyer/Shutterstock.com

Growing up as a lion cub is far from easy. Although they eventually grow to be the kings of the jungle, lion cubs aren’t very ferocious when they are born — in fact, cubs are completely dependent on their mothers and can’t even open their eyes for the first week or two! It is the sole responsibility of the mother lioness to watch over her young cubs and protect them from all kinds of threats — including other members of her own pride.

In the following video, a new male lion persistently threatens a litter of young cubs. Fortunately, however, their mother is never too far away, ready to stand her ground against the male in defense of her cubs.

Where Do Lions Live?

African safari scene where a male lion with a full mane is looking at the camera and moving through long dry grass with a lioness and four cubs that are his pride. Botswana.

African lions often survive in harsh environments.

Although a very remnant population of Asiatic lions survives in India’s Gir National Park, most wild lions live entirely in sub-Saharan Africa. These African lions occupy all kinds of habitats, from dense thickets and open grasslands to arid woodlands. As carnivorous, apex predators, lions typically target prey like wildebeests, buffalo, and zebra. However, a lion won’t turn down the occasional warthog or impala if the opportunity arises. By regulating herbivore populations, lions play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

Living Together in a Pride

Pride of lions sitting on rock roaring

Unlike other big cat species, lions live in complex family groups called prides. These aren’t just convenient associations, however; lions forge deep bonds with the members of their pride. 

A lion pride includes both male and female lions, numbering from two to 40 members. While the male lions may lead the pride, the female lionesses make up the true heart of the group. These formidable felines are the ultimate working mothers, caring for their young cubs and hunting for the group. Male lions, on the other hand, mainly serve as large bodyguards to protect the pride and its territory. 

How Many Lion Cubs Are Born in a Litter?

Cute lion family

Lion cubs are not considered fully mature until they are three to four years old.

A lioness typically gives birth to a litter of one to four cubs at a time. Several lionesses within a single pride commonly give birth within a few months of one another and may raise their cubs communally. However, for the first few months, the mother lioness fully dedicates herself to her own cubs, often moving them every few days and hiding them from potential threats. 

How Mother Lionesses Keep Their Cubs Safe

Lionesses and cubs

Lionesses in a pride are often related and work together to care for young cubs.

Lionesses must be constantly alert when raising young cubs. Newborn lion cubs are blind at birth and rely entirely on their mothers for survival. Lion cubs open their eyes within the first few weeks, but they are still very vulnerable and are kept away from the pride until they are at least eight weeks old. 

When they are finally introduced to the pride, lion cubs learn to play and interact with the group. However, play isn’t just about having fun — it is a vital tool for survival. Through playful interactions in the pride, young lion cubs strengthen their physical coordination, practice hunting, and learn to navigate complex social situations. 

Lionesses are incredibly nurturing and extremely protective of their young. They will fearlessly protect and defend their cubs against any threat, including other lions. Younger male lions, especially newer members in a pride, often threaten (and even kill) cubs to increase their mating opportunities and raise their status within the group. However, this is no easy feat, as lionesses are fierce mothers and will fight to the death to protect their offspring. 

The following video shows just how tense and dangerous these interactions can be. Watch how this ferocious mother lioness protects her babies from a rather persistent male lion who has recently joined the pride. The newcomer is likely threatening the cubs to increase his standing within the group. However, despite his larger size, he’s no match for this determined and loving mother!


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About the Author

Kellianne Matthews

Kellianne Matthews is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on anthrozoology, conservation, human-animal relationships, and animal behavior. Kellianne has been writing and researching animals for over ten years and has decades of hands-on experience working with a variety of different animals. She holds a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, which she earned in 2017. A resident of Utah, Kellianne enjoys creating, analyzing movies, and hanging out with her dog and cats.

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