Lioness And Cub Find Missing Siblings
Watch as a lioness and her cub find the rest of the cub squad
Don't forget to check out some more interesting lion topics in 12 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Lions
What happens when a lioness cannot find all but one of her cubs?
Simple, she enlists the help of that cub in calling for them.
Watch The Touching Sighting Here:
Regular contributor Hayley Myburgh has submitted this charming video to Latest Sightings. Hayley had witnessed the happy occasion while on a game drive in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Mother And Cub
Hayley’s video starts with a view of a lioness and her cub standing by the side of the road. Looking over her shoulder, she seems to be ignoring her offspring.
Surprisingly, she then turns and walks away from her little one, making us wonder what is going on.
After walking a short distance, she stops. It seems like she is either looking or listening for something. What could it be? Does she sense prey nearby or worse, danger?
Look And Listen
With her head raised and ears cocked, she certainly has something on her mind. Lions are equipped with an incredible sense of hearing. By rotating their ear flaps, they can pinpoint the exact source of a sound.
Cub Follows
As her cub joins her, it is clear the lioness is concerned about something when she starts making a low-volume call.
As she does, the camera pans quickly to the right, taking in the tall green grass that borders the road.
Movement In The Grass
Then, we see something moving through the lush vegetation. Its tawny gold colouring gives it away. It is another lion cub.
Shortly after, another cub joins it. Then, as the camera again pans to the right, we see another four cubs emerging through the long grass.
Contact Calling
As the mother continues her soft calling, the cubs dutifully trot towards her, mewling as they do.
The mother’s soft vocalisations are known as contact calls, used to summon her offspring when they are hidden, lost or lagging behind.
Showing her loving patience, she makes sure that all the cubs are present.
Satisfied that all are present and accounted for, she turns, and the reunited family makes their way along the road.
A Tough Start
While lions are the largest predators in Africa, and live in large social groups called prides, lion cubs don’t necessarily have it easy. Far from it.
Born after an 108-day gestation period, lion cubs are completely helpless at birth. Born blind, the only defence they have in their mother’s absence is a spotted coat that provides a measure of camouflage.
Typically, lionesses give birth to 2 to 5 cubs, so a litter of 7, as is the case in the video, is exceptional. Their mother will have left the security of the pride to give birth in a hidden location.
There, they will remain hidden, occasionally for extended periods when Mum goes hunting. During this time, they are extremely vulnerable. Many wander off and get lost, while predators prey on others.
To prevent discovery by predators, the lioness will move her litter from time to time. Any cub that lags during these moves may be left behind unintentionally.
At around six weeks old, the lioness will introduce her cubs to the rest of the pride. Once integrated, they are safer, but by no means assured of reaching adulthood.
An astonishing 50% of cubs die within their first year, while 80% will not reach maturity. This makes this lioness’s patience and perseverance in keeping her cubs together all the more heart-warming.
Author: Steve Bebington
About the Creator
Latest Sightings
Latest Sightings, is a real-time wildlife spotting community that connects nature lovers with the most incredible animal encounters, captured and shared by rangers, tourists, and locals across Africa's national parks and reserves.
Keep reading
More stories from Latest Sightings and writers in Earth and other communities.
The Collapse of a Brazilian Bank Ensnares Politicians and Judges
Brazil is grappling with one of the most shocking financial scandals in recent history: the collapse of a major bank that has sent tremors through the economy, the political system, and the judiciary. What began as a financial crisis quickly transformed into a story of political entanglement, judicial scrutiny, and public outrage, raising questions about oversight, accountability, and the fragile trust that binds citizens, bankers, and politicians. The implications of this collapse are vast, affecting not just shareholders and depositors, but also shaking the foundations of governance in Brazil. The Collapse: A Perfect Storm of Mismanagement The bank in question, a significant player in Brazil’s retail and corporate banking sectors, reportedly faced years of mismanagement, risky lending practices, and opaque financial dealings. For years, internal audits hinted at irregularities, but these warnings were either ignored or covered up. When the collapse finally occurred, thousands of customers lost access to their accounts, and businesses relying on the bank for loans and credit lines faced immediate disruption. The ripple effect extended beyond the banking sector, affecting real estate, commerce, and public confidence in financial institutions. Politicians in the Crossfire As investigations unfolded, authorities discovered that several politicians had deep financial ties to the bank. Allegations include preferential loans, insider deals, and the use of political influence to shield executives from scrutiny. These revelations have sparked outrage among the public, who see the situation as yet another example of how money and power intersect in ways that harm ordinary citizens. Brazil’s history of corruption scandals — including Operation Car Wash — has made the public wary of politicians’ involvement in business, and this banking collapse appears to confirm those fears. Some politicians are now under formal investigation, facing charges ranging from corruption to conflict of interest. Legal experts predict that the case could lead to resignations, trials, and possibly convictions. Judges Under Scrutiny The crisis has also ensnared members of the judiciary. Reports indicate that some judges may have overlooked warning signs, delayed investigations, or facilitated questionable transactions involving the bank. While it is unclear whether these actions were deliberate or a result of systemic inefficiencies, the optics are troubling. Public confidence in the judiciary is essential for democracy, yet this scandal highlights the vulnerability of institutions when financial and political interests collide. Brazilian citizens are now demanding transparency, calling for independent oversight to ensure justice is applied equally — whether to bankers, politicians, or judges. Economic and Social Fallout Beyond politics and the courts, the bank’s collapse has real-world consequences for everyday Brazilians. Customers report frozen accounts, lost savings, and halted payments. Small business owners face canceled loans and delayed contracts. Even those not directly affected worry about contagion in the financial system, fearing a broader economic downturn. Experts warn that if regulatory systems fail to prevent similar crises, Brazil’s economic growth could slow, foreign investment could decline, and public trust in institutions may erode further. The social cost — protests, strikes, and political unrest — is already visible in major cities. Why Oversight Failed The collapse raises important questions about regulation in Brazil. Financial watchdogs and central bank authorities are under pressure to explain how such a significant failure went unnoticed. Analysts suggest several systemic issues: Weak regulatory enforcement — audits and compliance checks were reportedly insufficient. Political interference — pressure from powerful politicians may have delayed corrective measures. Opaque financial practices — complex corporate structures and hidden liabilities masked the bank’s instability. This combination created a perfect storm, allowing risky practices to continue unchecked until the bank could no longer operate. Lessons for Brazil and Beyond The scandal is more than a national story — it is a cautionary tale for emerging economies worldwide. Financial institutions, no matter how large or influential, cannot be above scrutiny, and political entanglements must be carefully managed. Transparency, independent oversight, and robust regulatory frameworks are essential to prevent similar disasters. In countries where finance and politics overlap too closely, the risk of systemic failure is amplified, with devastating consequences for ordinary citizens. What Happens Next? Brazilian authorities are now facing immense pressure to act swiftly. Investigations will likely continue for months, if not years. Some potential outcomes include: Trials and convictions of bank executives and politicians Reforms in banking regulations and financial oversight Strengthened judicial accountability mechanisms Measures to restore public confidence in the financial system Meanwhile, citizens and businesses are left to navigate uncertainty, hoping for clear answers and protections against further damage. Final Thoughts The collapse of this Brazilian bank is more than a financial event — it is a story about the fragility of systems where money, politics, and justice intersect. It serves as a stark reminder that trust is the foundation of both banking and governance. When that trust is broken, the consequences are profound and far-reaching. For Brazil, this is a moment of reckoning. For the world, it is a cautionary tale about the need for transparency, oversight, and accountability in every institution that touches the lives of millions.
By Muhammad Hassan7 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.