Wild Nature
African Lion: cubs and reproduction
S1 • E51 Jan 1, 2009
Mating and raising cubs is no easy task for lions- It is estimated that for every 3000 cubs born only 1 survives to adulthood. Once the cubs are born the mother takes extra caution in keeping them safe. Other predators will kill cubs if they find them to eliminate the threat of future enemies. Young cubs also fall victim to coalition males looking to take over the pride- new males will kill the cubs to try and bring the females into heat. For the lioness keeping her cubs alive is a tough business out here in the African bushveld.
