Macho
Sony A1, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, FL: 200mm, S: 1/125s, F6.3, ISO: 400.
The little cub began to hunt his father, his eyes locked on target.
Macho means “eyes” in Swahili.
How appropriate, I thought. The big male lion is being hunted by his younger son. It was all playful as the pride rested in the hot midday sun under some bush and surrounding shade from low-lying acacia trees. Hosi, the big male, had arrived, and after some greetings were done with the lionesses, he turned to play a little with one of the cubs. The playfulness was lighthearted, and eventually Hosi lay down to rest. It had been a long night of patrolling his territory, and he was back to check on the pride and recover. But the cub was not finished. As Hosi lay half-asleep, he clambered nearby onto a large fallen trunk that had been pushed over by an elephant some time ago, pretending to scratch and search for something. Once Hosi’s eyes averted to other surroundings, the cub noticed and turned, taking on a stalking position. His manoeuvre was one of a great hunter, and slowly, very slowly, he inched forward to his father. As he got within striking distance, Hosi turned, well aware of this little cub’s intention, and softly called. With that, the cub reached him and muzzled his face, gently pawing his father in acknowledgement.
The Importance of Lion Cub Play
Lion cubs, much like human children, spend a significant portion of their day engaged in play. While it may seem like mere fun and games, this playtime is serious business for these baby lions. Through their playful activities, which include stalking each other, playing hide and seek, and wrestling with one another, lion cubs are actually honing their hunting skills and developing the physical prowess they will need as adults.
Stalking each other through the tall grass, the cubs learn the art of stealth and patience, essential qualities for successful hunting. Playing hide and seek not only sharpens their senses but also teaches them how to outmanoeuvre their prey. Wrestling matches with their siblings help them build strength, agility, and coordination, all of which are crucial for chasing down fast-moving prey.
But play is not just about physical development; it also plays a vital role in the socialisation of the cubs. These playful interactions with their siblings and other members of the pride help them learn important social cues and hierarchies within the group. They learn how to communicate effectively with each other, both verbally and through body language, which is essential for coordinated hunting efforts later in life.
As the cubs frolic and tumble in the dust, they are not just having fun; they are laying the foundation for their future as apex predators. In the wild, where survival is a daily struggle, these skills are not just useful but absolutely essential. Lions are not born with the instinctive ability to hunt; they must learn it through practice and observation. And it is during these playful moments that the cubs are doing just that, preparing themselves for the challenges that lie ahead.
Raw Africa Collection
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
