Lion Cubs: Eight Rascals at 6 - 8 weeks

Shot at Ndutu Safari Lodge, Tanzania in February/March 2019 with the 1Dx II and 500mm f/4 II with a 1.4x III

On my 2019 visit to Ndutu, we were thrilled to hear that there were two lionesses that shared 8 cubs between them. The cubs were 6 and 8 weeks old and we found them on our first day. The moms - one very experienced and one a novice - had the cubs hidden in the tall grass of the Big Marsh. They were protecting the youngsters from the rest of the Marsh Pride and predators; and, had taken over the Big Marsh where cheetah moms normally stash their babies.

The lionesses were just starting to bring the cubs out into the open which is why the cubs were always super excited with every new lesson and adventure. And the coolest thing was that 3 more Marsh Pride lionesses were about to give birth and food was very plentiful at the time.