1. Birth & Early Life
Lion cubs are born in a pride (a lion family group) after a gestation period of about 110 days.
A litter usually consists of 2-4 cubs, but up to 6 can be born.
Cubs are born blind and helpless, weighing around 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
Their eyes open after 7-10 days, and they start walking at about 3 weeks old.
2. Appearance
Lion cubs have spotted coats (rosettes) that fade as they grow older.
Their fur is soft and woolly, providing camouflage in tall grass.
3. Survival & Challenges
Mortality rate is high—only about 50% survive their first year due to predators, starvation, or infanticide (when a new male takes over the pride).
Cubs are vulnerable to hyenas, leopards, and even male lions that may kill them to bring females back into mating condition.
Mothers hide cubs for 6-8 weeks before introducing them to the pride.
4. Diet & Weaning
Cubs nurse for about 6 months but start eating meat at around 3 months.
They rely on the pride’s hunters (usually lionesses) to provide food.
By 11 months, they begin hunting small prey but aren’t skilled until 2 years old.
5. Play & Socialization
Cubs play-fight to develop hunting and social skills.
They mimic adult behaviors like stalking and pouncing.
Older cubs (1-2 years) may practice hunting with siblings.
6. Independence
Male cubs leave the pride at 2-3 years old to avoid competition with dominant males.
Females usually stay with the pride for life.
Would you like to know more about their behavior, threats they face, or how they’re protected in the wild? 😊🦁
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