Simbas Dream
Sony A1, FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 582mm, S: 1/400s, A: F7.1, ISO: 200
The little lion cub lay there, his head resting on his sister's sleepy body, his eyes far away.
It was hot—really hot. The air had reached its zenith, and the lion pride was resting. Not even the grass moved, and the occasional insect that had energy buzzed quickly across to a spot of cooler vegetation. The lion cub had been asleep but suddenly shifted his head onto the rising and falling belly of his sister. Placed comfortably on his spouse, he opened his eyes and observed lazily the occasional creature buzzing past from his new vantage point. A butterfly appeared nearby, and as it fluttered just out of range, his eyes suddenly opened wider fascinated by its erratic movements. Its beating wings moved quickly as it moved from spot to spot just in front of him. He continued to watch with curiosity, following its journey around the pride and eventually winging its way off into the veld. As it vanished, he yawned and, in one slow motion, rolled back into the surrounding grass enjoying another slumber.
Some Lion Cub Facts
Lion cubs have a surprisingly laid-back approach to life. Spending up to 20 hours of the day sleeping or resting, they are among the laziest of the big cats. This behaviour may seem lazy, but it's actually an essential part of their survival strategy. Lions are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. To conserve energy for their nightly hunts, they rest during the hottest parts of the day when their prey is less active (this is known as crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk).
While lazing around, lion cubs exhibit remarkably affectionate behaviour toward one another. They can be seen rubbing heads, grooming each other, and even purring contently. These interactions not only strengthen their bonds but also serve as a form of social grooming, helping to maintain their fur and remove parasites.
The sleeping habits of lion cubs are also influenced by their social structure. Lions are highly social animals, living in prides that consist of related females, their offspring, and a coalition of males. This social structure requires cooperation and communication, which includes their interactions while resting. Despite their reputation for laziness, lions are skilled predators and highly efficient hunters, and their ability to conserve energy during the day allows them to be alert and ready for action when the time comes to hunt or follow and learn, as in the case of this cub.
Raw Africa Collection
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, and 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.
