Like a script from one of the most nerve-wracking narrations, Olare Motorogi Conservancy on Tuesday, January 31, treated tourists to a one-of-a-kind thrill pitting a lioness and her cubs against mother nature.
At the banks of River Ntiakntiak was a pride whose strength was tested when the cats attempted to cross the viciously raging flow.
Left with limited choices, the mother drank from the river, then jumped over to the North bank to lead the charge against River Ntiakntiak.
Anxiously waiting, the lioness sluggishly turned to offer the last clarion call to the cubs that looked almost defeated even before stepping into the water.
As first reported by Mail Online, the plucky youngsters formed a single file then made the decision to confront their worst fear.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy was witnessing a rare occurrence, to which, both the tourists and animals were emotionally helpless.
The brave cubs jumped into the water and curiously slapped the River Ntiakntiak for a few minutes before making it to the banks.
It was a serious relief to those who witnessed the dangerous expedition which eventually culminated in a feast.
The following morning, the lioness was spotted with her cubs after bringing down a warthog at the conservancy.
An insight into the life of a lioness reveals the ability to give birth to cubs all year round, usually from the age of about three or four years old.
The gestation period of lioness is from 110 to 120 days, during which she must have a private den in the shelter of bushes, or even a cave.
"When they are first born, cubs are very small. They have their eyes closed and don’t open them until they are two to three weeks old.
"Even then, they can’t see properly for another week or so, so need lots of care and attention from Mum," Animal Watch explained.
Cubs are usually not able to defend themselves and are vulnerable to attacks from large birds, snakes, and even male lions.
Kenyan National Parks and Game Reserves offer rare kind of animals for millions of tourists.
