Amani and Limping Lioness

08/05/2019

From an early age, cheetah cubs learn from their mothers how to behave in the presence of various savannah inhabitants, including predators. Amani, one of the oldest and the most successful cheetah in the Mara, gained vast experience of survival during her 10-year life. Raising her current three cubs in the Mara North Conservancy, she brought them in the Reserve several times. Visiting various places, cubs get to know new environments, meet different prey and predator species, to subsequently select suitable territories in the future for their independent life. Lookout area is a good teaching ground; Amani with all her litters use to stay there for a few weeks giving cubs opportunity to gain experience. On August 2, she led cubs to the small mound in the middle of an open area where in 100 meters lioness was hidden sleeping at the bottom of the ravine. It took a few minutes before cheetah family noticed awoke lioness. This time was enough for Amani to realize the level of danger, and she allowed one of her cubs to approach the lioness to a safe distance in order to investigate the intentions of the lioness. When lioness finally rushed towards the cub, it became clear why she was hesitating – the lioness was slightly limping. Amani had to draw attention to herself confusing the large cat. After several attempts, the lioness lay down and fell asleep, and Amani quietly led the family away