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Lions from Botswana
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Beverly Joubert : " When looking at big cats we may associate play with young animals learning essential skills that will be necessary in later life. But with lions, the unusually social cats, games of chase will stay into adulthood and keep those social bonds tight. ".
Beverly Joubert: " Supple spines help little cubs bend over backwards in their efforts to outmaneuver their older siblings... ".
Dereck Joubert: " We have spent so much of our lives learning about lions in all their wild, unfettered glory. A long time-out in the languid heat of the day … the high-stakes ferocity of a buffalo hunt … the complex, often brutal, machinations of family life – it has been our great privilege to observe these predators living out their own lives in the way that nature dictates. This makes us acutely aware of just how pernicious, cruel and profoundly unnatural the lion farming industry is. A recent article on the subject paints a devastating picture. It’s an important read – the link is in the bio. Please take the time. ".
Beverly Joubert: " Okavango lions - pure muscle honed by their environment. Running through swamps has really developed their chest and leg muscles, making them some of the largest lions in the world and a real force to be reckoned with. "
Beverly Joubert: " There is a special bond between mother and cub. She teaches him everything he needs to thrive. He of course has no idea of how special his existence is just yet. "
As long as lions will live freely, Africa will preserve a big part of its magic. Beautiful photo.
Beverly Joubert: " Two apex predators share a moment of tenderness in the golden glow of a setting sun. Mutual grooming is an important part of life in the pride. Although the lioness getting licked looks decidedly unimpressed, this behaviour helps establish, maintain, and strengthen social bonds within the pride. It’s common to see lionesses licking each other while males prefer to rub heads to communicate affection and maintain their relationships. The almost-maternal moment between these two lionesses betrays the harsh reality of big-cat life. In a landscape fraught with danger, it helps to have good friends. "
Beverly Joubert: " They stalk together, they roam together, and one day they will rule together. These young brothers both fixed their gaze on a passing red lechwe, contemplating the chase. Soon they will be pushed out of the pride and forced to forge their own way in an often unforgiving landscape. Luckily, they have each other. Male lions, particularly brothers, often team up to form tight coalitions which helps increase their hunting success and their chances of claiming a territory of their own. For these big cats, it helps to have your brother looking out for you. "
Beverly Joubert: " Okavango lions have learned to adapt to their swampy surrounds. It’s incredible watching these powerful cats take to the water with confidence – fording spillways in search of prey or new territory. In our latest film “Okavango: River of Dreams” @DereckJoubert and I try to take viewers on a journey to the source of the Delta, to understand the significance and appreciate the beauty of a river that feeds so many life forms. We are delighted that a director’s cut of the film was selected for a screening at this year’s Sundance Festival. It is evident that all of the films chosen for the festival are extremely powerful, many hit you in the chest – all calling for change with a strong social consciousness. We feel honoured to be party to the great selection. The film airs at 6pm today – we cannot wait to share the magic of the Delta with Sundance audiences while also highlighting the importance of saving this sacred wild place. "
Beverly Joubert: " The bond between lion brothers is almost unbreakable. These siblings grew up together, play-fighting and stalking as they learned how to survive and thrive in the watery world of the Okavango. Now, as they mature and their patchy manes grow thicker, the cats will leave the safety of the pride to roam the vast swamplands in search of their own legacy. It’s a difficult transition and it helps to have someone watching your back. "
Jens Cullmann: " As all cats in Africa they aren’t too fond of water. And for sure not when there might be crocs ... I posted similar images in the past weeks. But this one is for me to good not to share here. "
Beverly Joubert: " Smile for the camera! This aggressive-looking grimace is actually the lion's way of getting a good whiff of a female's pheromones to determine if she's ready to mate or not. Lions, along with many other animals from zebras to domestic cats, perform this lip-curled snarl when inhaling important scents. Known as the flehmen response, the behaviour helps expose chemical signals to an organ in the roof of the mouth where any vital intel is processed. Although male and female lions both perform this scent-absorbing snarl, it seems to be more important to males – especially when assessing if a lioness has come into oestrus. This dominant male is testing the pheromones in a female's urine. If he senses her readiness, he'll trail close behind hoping she'll give in to his charms! "
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