There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
They may think its odd how everyone seems to get cubs but they don't, but I don't think animals connect mating with pregnancy that much. Animals live very much in the moment and it can take week before the first symptoms start to appear. Especially for a infertile lioness the connection would be difficult to make. Afterall, she has been mating as well without cubs.
Lionesses also don't care much about who the father is of their cubs. They may have a sexual preference if it comes to males if they have a choice. But they are not going to accept or reject cubs if they are solely the result of a diversion mating. A cub is a cub for them.
I think the low fertility of lions is actually more an evolutionary advantage. Having a infertile lioness around keeps the cubs to adult ratio low. While ensuring that there is always a mating lioness to keep the males from wandering off to far.