Lion Mating

Female lions will start mating at about 4 years of age, while males begin closer to 5. Breeding is not seasonal with lions but the females in a pride will often be synchronized in estrus. Much like her feline cousins, a lioness coming into heat will advertise her readiness with sent marking, calling, rubbing on objects and rolling around on the ground. She will engage in a lot of display and she will also be defensive and scrappy.

“She rubs against the male, presenting her posterior with tail raised invitingly, but when he makes a bold approach, she turns upon him spitting, scratching and yowling. The next moment she writhes on the ground at his feet or invites pursuit.” –Richard Estes, Author, The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals

The Big Finish

Male courtship behaviour usually entails lots of head rubbing with the female, urine spraying, licking his genitals and patiently following her. When the lioness is ready and presents, the male will try to grip her neck before mounting. Once he mounts, copulation is generally completed with a few thrusts.

“Immediately afterward, the female screams, or snarls, and often twists and hists out at the male, who jumps back growling.” Within a few minutes courtship is resumed.” The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals, Richard Estes

Gestation is 14–15 weeks and the typical litter is between 1–4 cubs. She will find a well-hidden, bushy area to have her cubs and will keep them sequestered from the pride for over a month, moving them often to keep them safe. When she eventually rejoins the pride, she will share the mothering duties, nursing her own cubs and those from other lionesses in her pride.

For more lion photos, check out my lion photo gallery.

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(The images that follow contain difficult subject matter.)

A Lioness Nearing Her End

Midmorning we spotted an older lioness lying lifeless in tire tracks on the Luangwa riverbed. The sun was blazing hot and she most certainly had no energy to move. From her sharp hip bone and protruding ribcage, it was quite clear she was suffering and had not eaten for many days. Because she was at a distance, it was difficult to see her well, but her distress was painfully evident. As we drove away, I honestly did not think this girl would make it through the day. The fact that she was a mature female, ant least 12 years old — near the end of her natural life — did not make it any less heartbreaking. It is one of the hardest things about what I do — watching an animal suffering and knowing all you can do is respectfully bear witness.

Later that day, driving through the shadows of nightfall, we were alerted to activity down on the river bed. We arrived under darkness and positioned ourselves on the bank above. In the middle of the riverbed we were shocked to see the same lioness and she was in the throes of attacking a young elephant! They were at a fair distance and it certainly proved challenging to photograph under the fading beams of the jeep headlights.

A Young Elephant Fends for Itself

The elephant was likely between 1-2 years old and far too young to be on its own. Clearly separated from its herd, it would have a difficult time surviving. That did not stop the calf from putting up a heroic fight. By the time we arrived, it was evident that the lioness had already bitten off the elephant’s tail. She had the small trunk in her jaws, wrestling to hold on and bring it down. It was shocking to see such a young elephant all alone in this fight for life. However, it was equally painful to watch the desperation of this very weak lioness. She was clearly struggling to find the strength to hunt and live one more day.

The tenacious young elephant managed to use its bulk to its advantage, straddling the lioness as she was clinging to its trunk. The big cat was eventually too weak to hold on and found herself flattened. She was in a desperate situation under the weight of her feisty opponent.

A Battle of Life and Death Comes to an End

It took an enormous effort for the old lioness to pull herself free. When she finally managed to stand, the young elephant turned towards her, fiercely trumpeted and fearlessly chased her off!

Moments later, the emaciated big cat climbed the bank and came out right in front of our truck. She was panting heavily and clearly exhausted. We could see she had several teeth missing and her gums were bleeding.

No Winner in South Luangwa

My heart was heavy for these two fierce survivors. We had likely witnessed the lioness in her last attempt to feed herself. Her body was discovered the next morning. The elephant survived, although was clearly wounded. It was unclear how it came to be wandering on its own at such a young age and I knew in my heart it was going to have more life-threatening challenges ahead if it was not soon reunited with the herd.

On Life and Death and Bearing Witness

It is never easy to see an animal suffer,  but for one animal to survive, often, another must die. This is a fundamental part of understanding our natural world. It is a fundamental part of my work to document these difficult but natural occurrences.

Professionally, it is my intention to teach about the wildlife subjects I observe and photograph—all aspects of their lives. When I am working, I try not to turn my back on an animal suffering because it is uncomfortable for me. I very much try to hold myself accountable to bear witness. I show my respect to a life that is being taken by not turning away, and I say a silent thank you to them for giving their life so that another can live. I watch a predator hunt successfully and I feel gratitude that they are able to have another meal-especially if they have a family. This part of my work Is never easy, but I am committed to doing my best to hold both of these feelings in my heart at the same time. To honour both lives. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined by watching difficult sightings in the wild. It has been a great privilege to bear witness to all I have seen.

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