Styx Pride

[Duco Ndona]

I think you are reading a bit to much in those sort of examples. Lots of those are more examples of the male lions pushing the lionesses around or competing over food than helping the cubs. 

And sure a male lion may seem friendly to its offspring occasionally. That does not mean its going to fight to defend them the same way the lionesses would. If it favors him, he would have no issue abandoning them for better mating and feeding opportunities. Something a lioness would not do.

And yes, they are smart enough to understand the consequences. They have grown up in a pride themselves afteral. Reply