Rare Encounters 2
When photographing this pose it made me think about the she wolf feeding Remus and Romulus .
But here in this case, not only two where suckling , but a staggering 6 youngsters , each pushing the other trying to be on the best spot of the milk bar.
As you can see this lioness is suffering as the sharp teeth’s of the pups do leave small wounds on her sensible skin, the seventh cub who approached her was the one to much and did not had chance to participate.
But not only her belly lays under “fire ” as swarms of flies on her hind end back are bringing her in this uncomfortable situation ,
This image was taken at around 9 am in Nimira plains, kopjes in Tanzania
Robert Goppelt 24/05/2022 11:28
What a beautiful nature documentary.One might think that mother is admonishing them to eat.
Interesting and tough story on Uli's answer.
Nature has its own laws.
Kind regards, Robert
Thorny Devil 02/04/2022 14:02
Apart from the story behind a very nice and rare shot, how far away were you or what focal length was used?Regards Marcus
Uli Aßmann 29/03/2022 21:25
oh, a milk bar for 6 youngsters....!I've never seen anything like it, and you've documented nature in the African savannah in a unique way!
The lioness has certainly had to adopt a few cubs here...and just as you write..she can probably supply the most milk compared to her sisters.
A more than exhausting job for her...pity that the mortality rate of the offspring is quite high after all.
BR Uli
Robert L. Roux 29/03/2022 17:43
an awesome image ...de ceulaer 29/03/2022 12:25
yes, really the one too much !i didn't know that the lioness can have so many pups
br