Two lion cubs at sunrise, South Africa
© Ruan Springorum/Getty Images
A look over the shoulder
Curious about what it's like to be a lion cub living in the wild? Let's explore their life. Featured here is a pair of African lion cubs sunbathing in the wilderness of South Africa. Typically born in litters of one to four, they are tucked away in a secluded den for safety. Blind at birth, these little ones are vulnerable in the first few weeks of their lives and depend entirely on their mothers. At around eight weeks old, they meet the rest of the pride. This isn't just a casual interaction—it's an important moment for them to socialise and find their place in the group. During this time, they learn how to behave within the pride, which helps shape their roles as they grow up. After they hit six months, they begin to accompany adults on hunting trips, learning essential skills and tricks of the trade through real-life adventures.
Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than their African counterparts and belong to the subspecies Panthera leo leo. Historically, these lions roamed a vast region, including Saudi Arabia, eastern Turkey, Iran, Mesopotamia and areas from Pakistan's Indus River to Bengal and the Narmada River in Central India. However, since the early 20th century, their range has been confined to Gir National Park and its surrounding areas in Gujarat.