The Lions Share

When we came across this lion kill the warthog was already dead with two lionesses and a small cub tucking
into this tasty meal, well tasty for them! We didn't actually see the kill this time, but we settled down to watch, one of the best things about being on safari is to quietly watch the behaviour of the wildlife in their natural habitat as they go about their normal activities. After only five minutes we heard a low roar, it didn't sound too far away. The lionesses had also clearly heard it because they reluctantly moved a short distance away from the kill and settled into the long grass to wait, while the large male lion sauntered in to take what he believed was due to him. It was absolutely fascinating to watch as this scene unfolded.

Everyone knows that the male lions get fed first, that's why we have the saying 'the lions share' but when you are watching, first hand and up close, you can actually feel the frustration of the hungry lioness. When the females moved aside, they didn't go far and although they looked very nonchalant about the whole thing they were keeping a keen eye on things. The cub fared a little better as the lion allowed him to join in and they fed together for a while.

After a short time the whole thing got too much for one of the lionesses, maybe she was still young and hadn't quite accepted the correct etiquette in these matters. Hoping not to be seen she used the cover of the long grass, to quietly and slowly move in. The lion continued eating and all was relatively peaceful, that was until the lioness got just a little too close. He turned on her in an instant, using his huge paw and growled a warning in no uncertain terms, she quite wisely retreated. After five minutes she tried again, using the same tactics, but with the same result. This time she got the message and stayed put until the lion had his fill.

Most times on safari when you come across lions they are generally sleeping, they spend a lot of time during the day sleeping in the shade, this gives a false impression that they can be pretty docile, however when food is involved there is no mistaking there aggressive behaviour.