Lion Cubs Have No Chill

Something is moving in the grass. Then two small faces pop up, ears first.

Lion cubs. And they are coming this way.

They walk straight towards us, side by side, fearless and a bit wobbly. Big paws they have not grown into yet. Fluffy coats with faint spots still on them. They stare at the vehicle like it is the most interesting thing they have ever seen.

Then they get bored of us. Instantly.

One pounces on the other. They roll, tangle, bite ears, kick with their back feet. Then they freeze, stare at nothing, and do it all again.

It looks like play. It is also practice. Every pounce and swipe is a lesson they will need one day.

You laugh so much the photos come out wonky.

The grown ups are somewhere in the shade, flat out, not moving a muscle. The heat sits on everything. Flies buzz. Nobody else on the plain has the energy.

Except these two.

Give it a while and they will flop down in the grass, paws in the air. Done.

You came for the king of the jungle. You stayed for the toddlers.