Rare sighting of lion birth caught on camera
A rare sighting of a lioness giving birth was recently captured on camera.
Latest Sightings, a platform dedicated to sharing wildlife sightings and real-time experiences, recently shared a clip that captured the miracle of animal life.
The video, which has been shared widely on social media, shows the moment a lioness gives birth to a cub.
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Spotting a lion might not be extremely rare, but seeing one give birth and filming it is.
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According to Latest Sightings, 30-year-old game ranger Mrisho Lugenge witnessed the special moment while on a game drive at the MalaMala Game Reserve.
"My guests and I went out on a morning drive and planned to look for some lions. As we left the camp, one of my colleagues found lion tracks in the central part of MalaMala Game Reserve,” Lugenge said.
MalaMala, a private concession east of the Kruger National Park, is a sanctuary for many of Africa's big cats. Wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe visit in hopes of spotting the renowned leopards and lions that roam its plains and riverine habitats.
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Lugenge and his guests decided to follow the tracks they had discovered.
"Immediately, we headed off in that direction to assist in the search. However, shortly before arriving in the area where the tracks were seen, he located a lone lioness.
"We then joined the sighting. Little did we know that this was not just any ordinary lion sighting.
"This lioness was pregnant! Within five minutes of our arrival, she got up and began moving, perhaps looking for a cosier spot. We then noticed something strange. It looked as though her stomach was moving. She was having contractions.
"Then she sat up straight and began licking herself, which we mistook for grooming. When she turned around, we realised what had just happened. She had just given birth! There it was, the tiniest little cub in her mouth."
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Lionesses separate from their pride when they are ready to give birth, typically seeking shelter in dense thickets or along drainage lines to remain hidden and safe from potential predators.
This instinct for seclusion makes witnessing such a moment exceptionally rare, even for experienced guides who spend much of their lives observing these majestic animals.
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Image: YouTube/ Screenshot