First off I should say these aren’t the best of photos. They were taken on a dullish, August day in the Maasai Mara, and out of the back of a dusty Land Rover. But it’s a nice little glimpse of ‘I’m-a-big-boy-now’ rebellion of the lion kind.
It was the she-lion’s odd behaviour that attracted our attention. We drove towards the swamp to see what was going on. The rest of the Marsh Pride was lying up in the long grass a good half mile away, but here was a lone adult female walking about in a distracted manner, and with no attempt at concealment. She was also calling…and looking…
And calling…
We drove around the swamp. And then we could see what she couldn’t…
Junior. He, in fine nonchalant style, was busy exploring. He could hear Mom all right, but he was darned if he would show himself. In fact he just kept going…
…in the opposite direction…
Ooops! Not looking where we were going…
But it gave him a good excuse: “Was just getting a drink of water, Mom.”
We left them to find one another, although I reckon Junior was in for a big cuff round the ears. Meanwhile, here’s the big lion, he was thinking he already was – Dad.
This post was inspired, somewhat tangentially, by Jennifer Nichole Wells One Word Photo Challenge: wet Drop in to her blog to see other bloggers’ responses.
Tish Farrell 
What an adventure! And poor Mum, dealing with rebellious kids must not be easy 😀 Thanks so much for sharing.
I thought all human mums would identify with the lioness’s anxious stance. 🙂
I’m sure I gave my Mum many moments for concern, similar to this one 😀 😀
Definite parallels with children/teens and parents, Tish. 🙂
janet
We felt so sorry for the lion mother. It was one of those moments when you wanted to say – ‘Look behind you!. We thought she’d probably get on better with the hunt if we removed ourselves from the scene.
I think the pictures are great. The story as well. I wouldn’t be brave enough to get out there and take those shots or enjoy the family drama, so I appreciate your sharing.
You are most welcome, Sandra.
“I should say these aren’t the best of photos” Whatever. Snort.
Shared this heartwarming post with T. Darn juniors!! I love that you noticed and then observed.
Hello, Diana. Glad you liked this and could share it with T 🙂
Poor mom. So worried, and he knew it too. Gotta pretend you’re big sometimes. Thanks so much for sharing this. I loved learning about their adventure from start to finish.
Yes, he was trying so hard to be a big cat out on his own 🙂
What a wonderful story and I think fantastic pictures. Thank you, Tish:)
🙂
I hope mom wasn’t too hard on the kid. After all, he was just trying to be like dad!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It put a smile on my face.
That’s always so good to know, Connie 🙂
Well captured Tish you can certainly read the anxiety in the mother lion’s stance and calling. Hope they got reunited…
That mum’s got her hands full!
Having just come straight from Meg’s I can definitely see similarities with her twins, Tish 🙂 A delightful study. Thanks for the morning smile. I’m off to be lazy in the garden. (yes- really!)
Hope you had a good day in the garden, lazy or otherwise. 🙂
We just had some fences replaced so Mick was busy repairing damage to shrubs. I do a good job of supervising 🙂
That’s the best sort of work 🙂
They have to stretch the boundaries, don’t they. Great Mara story! Thank you Tish!
🙂
Very interesting. What a fun thing to come upon.
Indeed it was. Thank you 🙂
Tish – what a nice safari feel post! and I like how the photos almost had that artsy feel – with different colors and feels – 🙂
You are such an appreciative reader, Yvette. Thank you. Hope you’re having a good weekend.
well thx for saying that- and I do try to keep it genuine and try not to BS when i comment – if that makes sense (LOL) and yes, having a nice weekend, my mother is in town this week – it is usually the only we visit get from her each year and so we are all glad she is here. hope you have a nice weekend