Lioness grooms her tiny, one week old cubs in the den. In the Naboisho Conservancy of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, a lioness from the Breakaway likisiausiau pride had just given birth to three cubs just a few days ago, She had the cubs in a den in dense bushes. By careful positioning we were able to get some reasonable views. Filming was a challenge because the lions were in dense dark bushes but the bright sunshine made the surrounding branches very bright indeed. Plus there was always a branch or two in the way. The subject matter made it imperative to try! So very special to see a lioness with her one week old cubs. She was grooming them and then they were grooming themselves. These are the youngest lion cubs I have ever seen, they could barely move around and their eyes had not yet opened. A fabulous encounter as a lioness grooms her tiny, one week old cubs in the den.
Note: filming was done with a long lens to avoid disturbing the lions and with the permission and oversight of the Conservancy rangers.
Key words: Kenya, Kenyan, Africa, African, Maasai Mara, Naboisho Conservancy, Kicheche, Valley Camp, wildlife, nature, animals, conservation, safari, lion, lions, lioness, pride, Breakaway likisiausiau pride, cubs, young, very young, new born, suckling, nursing, den, cats, big cats, big five,