An adorable video of a lioness teaching her four cubs to climb a tree has left wildlife enthusiasts in awe. A footage of the sweet moment was captured by Michael Moth, a guide in South Africa’s MalaMala Game Reserve.
After witnessing the endearing sight firsthand, Michael shared the video and the story behind it with Latest Sightings. Later, they shared it on their YouTube channel on April 19.
The story unfolds as a group of guides at the reserve have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see the lioness’s newborn cubs. After giving the mother and her babies some space in their first few days, the guides were thrilled when the lioness decided it was time to introduce her cubs to the world.
As the group ventured into one of the reserve’s dry riverbeds, they were met with the heartwarming sight of the lioness perched in a tree, with her four cubs playing below. The mother emitted low-toned calls, signalling to her cubs that she was above them and encouraging them to join her.
Despite their small size and inexperience, one brave cub took up the challenge. With determination in its eyes, the cub slowly climbed the tree, inching its way up with tiny claws gripping the bark for traction.
After a few heart-stopping moments, the cub successfully reached its mother, basking in the pride and approval of her affectionate licks.
Inspired by their sibling’s success, the other cubs attempt to follow suit, albeit with varying degrees of success. While one cub managed to climb halfway up, others struggled to ascend more than a few inches from the ground.
In the end, the mother lion descended from the tree, proud of all her cubs for their efforts.
Watch the video:
Since being shared online, the adorable video has garnered around 7 lakh views.
The video serves as a reminder of the remarkable bond between mother and offspring in the animal kingdom and highlights the importance of learning essential skills for survival in the wild.
Social media users posted their thoughts in the comments section of the post.
“The lioness pushing back the cub is one of the most adorable moments,” a person said. “I like the way the lioness gently caresses the cub’s cheek,” another said. “The way the mother lion patiently waits and cheers for her cubs is amazing,” another comment read.
Earlier this month, another heartwarming video made social media users smile. The video captured a touching moment of six lost lion cubs reuniting with their mother in MalaMala Game Reserve.