Lions of Sabi Sands

[Duco Ndona]

People always tend to overhype young male lions. But in reality they are still just overgrown scared cubs that still need to grow a few years to compete with an adult.
These cubs, if they were to go up against the Tumbellas, would just get chased of or killed. And if they don't do it, the pride will. 

The only reason why they sometimes are seen at kills with rival males is that when there is plenty of food, there isn't much reason to fight or chase each other off and risk attracting someone bigger that steals the kill before you had a chance to eat. Not that that coalition has such an happy ending. 



As for that roar. I think its just a soft contact call to coordinate or rally themselves against the hyenas.
A full on territorial roar would be far louder. (This barely was audible over the hyenas). And not done while the group is preoccupied with defending a kill. But like hunting, playing or grooming a social activity that sets apart time for in itself. Reply