African lions are one of the most sought-after species to view whilst on safari. They are a symbol of strength and power. But, did you know…they are the feline with the strongest social behaviours.

Lion cubs start to eat meat at about three months and are weaned at about seven to ten months. They only eat once all of the adult members of the pride have had enough. The male lion plays no paternal role in provisioning food for the cubs.

Lionesses engage in allosuckling which, is the suckling of any cub by any lactating female. This reduces the chance of mortality for all cubs.

Females will remain in the natal pride. Males leave the pride at two to four years, brothers may form coalitions. When males take over a pride, they will kill any cubs up to a year old fathered by another male. This is because, infanticide induces females into oestrus again.