Lion Cubs Playing
This sequence of lion cub photos was taken in Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.
Although still very young - possibly around six to eight weeks old - these baby lions were already using play time to practise and hone their hunting skills.
As can be seen in the pictures, the one cub was much keener than its sibling to romp - hence the tongue-in-cheek captions!
![Lion cub pair, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/lion-cubs_1947ps.jpg)
Look at her! Getting ready to pose for the cameras again and all I want to do is play
![Lion cub creeping up on another, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/lion-cubs_1948ps.jpg)
We'll see about that .... I'm coming to get you!
![Lion cub wanting to play, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1951ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic._NSEJco3HA.jpg)
C'mon, forget about the silly tourists and their fancy cameras, let's play-fight
![Lion cubs romping, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1952ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.WaI8tuKG6f.jpg)
This'll spoil your posing .... maybe a bit of provocation will get you going
![Lion cubs getting ready to play fight, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1955ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.4nNtLt1cIt.jpg)
Don't tell me to go away and leave you alone ...
![Lion cub learning attack skills, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1962ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.u6pWEepNJh.jpg)
See how you like this!
![Lion cubs take a break from play-fighting, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/lion-cubs_1963ps.jpg)
You're so hopeless, there you go posing for the cameras again
![Pair of cute lion cubs, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/lion-cubs_1965ps.jpg)
There's only one thing left to do ....
![Lion cub climbing over another, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1966ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.-BTTGzpIUN.jpg)
And that's to climb all over you ...
![Lion cub nipping sibling on rump, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1968ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.1EnmRD_jEP.jpg)
And give you a good nip on the rump
![Lion cub biting another on the neck in play fight, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1971ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.WrMZ1RDs2b.jpg)
Followed by one on the neck for good measure!
![Lion cub trying to get away from sibling, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1973ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.ad7qiiZHc2.jpg)
No way ... you're not escaping that easily
![Baby lions in winter grass, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1975ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Crb8D6PGlK.jpg)
Oh all right ... I give up. This exertion has made me thirsty
![Baby lions with lioness, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana](https://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/image-files/xlion-cubs_1976ps.jpg.pagespeed.ic.9DN9iPCN3n.jpg)
Let's go see Mom for some sustenance
All the photographs were taken with an entry-level DSLR, the Canon EOS 400D (Rebel XTi) and an old zoom lens, the Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L (also known as the "magic
drainpipe). Focal length was 200mm, aperture ranged from f/2.8 to f/4 using aperture priority. This allowed a shutter speed from 1/160 to 1/320 at ISO 400.
© Scotch Macaskill, www.wildlife-pictures-online.com
Permitted Uses: See Terms of Use.
For more about lions and lion behavior, please see Lion Information and Lion Facts.
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