Lions are one of the world’s favourite big cats: proud, majestic creatures that dominate the savannah. Anyone who’s ever read a lion book or watched a documentary about these powerful creatures, however, knows that they start life as tiny cubs - and that surviving to adulthood is a difficult and dangerous journey. Let’s take a look at what life is like for lion cubs growing up in the wild. 

Early days

Lion cubs are born blind and helpless in litters of two to four. Soon after birth their mother takes them to a safe place away from the rest of the pride - often a dense thicket or rocky outcrop. At about a week old the cubs’ eyes open and at 10-15 days old they begin to walk. For the first six weeks of their lives they feed on their mother’s milk. During this time they are very vulnerable, as mum has to leave them to hunt. This leaves them exposed to predators such as hyenas, leopards or even other lions. In fact, due to predation, illness and starvation, only one in eight cubs survives to adulthood.  

Introduction to the pride

A lioness’ bond with her cubs is extremely strong, and she will care for them until they reach around eight weeks old. By this time, they have usually had their first taste of meat. The introduction to the rest of the pride is a crucial moment for the cubs: they meet their father and older siblings and start to learn how to behave within the pride structure. 

Lots of their time is now spent watching the adults and playing, both amongst themselves and with other juveniles. They play-fight, chase each other and practise stalking and pouncing, learning some of the survival skills that will help them once they’re grown. At around three months old they start joining the pride at meal times, waiting for their turn to feed on the latest kill. 

Independence

At around six months, lion cubs start to show signs of independence. They are fully weaned and rely on meat for their nutritional needs. They begin to join hunts - albeit on the periphery - watching and learning how prey is caught. The cubs are still quite vulnerable at this stage, with their survival depending on protection from their mother and the rest of the pride.

At 12 - 14 months, lion cubs undergo significant physical changes, becoming larger and stronger. Males begin to develop their manes. The cubs will engage in more serious play-fighting during this time and start to establish their place in the pride. Females take part in more structured hunts and prepare for their role as future mothers. 

At age three to four, lions are fully mature. Males leave the pride, often forming coalitions with brothers or cousins, while females remain and contribute to the group’s hunting and breeding efforts. 

Discover The Lion Inside

If you love Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s book, The Lion Inside, don’t miss the stage show, performing at the London Southbank Centre from 16 - 20 April. This family adaptation of The Lion Inside book is suitable for ages three and up, and is a perfect introduction to the theatre. Book your tickets today!