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

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Growing up as a lion cub is far from easy. Although male cubs eventually grow into “kings of the jungle,” often leaving their prides around 2 years old, cubs of both sexes are completely dependent on their mothers in the first several months. In fact, cubs cannot even open their eyes for the first week or two of their lives. Their mother is the one that solely watches over and protects them from all kinds of threats—including from other members of her own pride.

The term “king of the jungle” is a bit of a misnomer, as lions do not live in jungles and in fact prefer grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. Additionally, while a male lion is not crowned “king” in an official ceremony attended by other lions and animals living in their habitat, the title appears more symbolic of a lion’s sheer strength, raw power, grace, beauty, fearlessness, and roar, which can be heard up to 5 miles away.

In the video, a new male lion threatens a litter of young cubs. Fortunately, however, their mother is not too keen on bowing to this “king of the jungle.”

Life in the Wild

Although a 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. Their social nature allows them to hunt in groups, which means they are able to take down animals much larger than themselves. Of course, a lion won’t turn down the occasional warthog or impala when the opportunity arises. By regulating herbivore populations, lions play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

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 2-40 members. While a male lion may lead the pride, the lionesses make up the true heart of the group. These formidable felines are the ultimate working mothers, caring for the young cubs and hunting for the group. Male lions serve as bodyguards to protect the pride and its territory. 

Mothers and Cubs

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, a mother lioness fully dedicates herself to her own cubs, often moving them every few days to hide them from potential threats. 

Newborn lion cubs are blind at birth and rely entirely on their mothers for survival. Within a few weeks, their eyes open, but lion cubs remain vulnerable and are kept away from the pride until they are at least eight weeks old. When they are 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 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 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. Despite his larger size, he’s no match for this determined and loving mother.