In the floodplain of the Linyanti River

We then travelled from the Okawango Delta to the Linyanti floodplain in northern Botswana. This area, which is relatively water-rich even in the dry season, provides a habitat for many animals.

For 2 hours, we followed the tracks of lions that had passed through our camp at night from our off-road vehicle. These were then lost in the tall grass. Our guide and his tracker then continued the search on foot and found what they were looking for. If they had stepped on a lion cub, however, there would have been big trouble with the mothers.

3 lionesses had given birth to a total of 11 cubs at the same time. These are now being raised together. The mothers take it in turns to provide services such as hunting or nursing. This means that every lion cub can suckle from every lioness, regardless of whether it is its own mother or not.

We had already discovered the daddies the day before. They had killed a huge giraffe.

 

The guide and his tracker search for the lions in the tall grass. Both are very experienced and brave.

The search was successful. 11 lion cubs were found

... and the 3 mums belonging to them

When breastfeeding, it doesn't matter whether it's your own child or not.

Resting or sleeping during or after breastfeeding

... or played.

After the big meal, daddy lion takes a long nap in the shade. (There were 2 other large male lions with him). The pictures were deliberately not edited to remove the grass. Then the pictures might have been nicer, but no longer authentic.

The number of cheetahs has already been reduced so much by the ever-shrinking habitat that in Zimbabwe, for example, all cheetahs are genetically related as if they were siblings. This poses a major threat to their population.

These two cheetah brothers stay together for life.