These heartwarming images show three tiny lion cubs climbing all over their relaxed mum after becoming the first ever sighting of the hidden family in the Zambian bush.
Photographer Alexander Ley captured the peaceful scene in South Luangwa after guide Amon spotted a lone lioness disappearing into the bush earlier in the day and suspected she may be hiding newborn cubs nearby. After hours of searching, the pair finally spotted the mother lying quietly in the distance with three tiny cubs tucked tightly against her side. The lioness eventually rolled onto her back so the cubs could nurse, while the little ones climbed over her, licked her face and cuddled up beside her in the soft evening light.
Alexander said one of his favourite moments came when a cub gently licked its mother’s face before resting its head directly on top of hers, showing the huge size difference between the two. Another standout moment saw one tiny cub stretched proudly across its mother’s belly as if already keeping watch over the bush like a fully grown lion. He described the sighting as one of the most intimate and special wildlife moments he has witnessed in more than 25 years in the bush.
Images by: Alexander Ley/TwoPointO Media
