The male lion matures at 4-5 years of age, while the female matures earlier at 2 years. The mating of lions is a noisy act which brings about the release of the egg (ovulation) inside the femaleā”s body. Mating takes place throughout the year. Lionesses in the same pride often ovulate at the same time so that the cubs are born at the same time and maternal duties can be shared.

Number of Young

2-4 cubs.

Gestation

105-118 days.

Birth

The lioness normally leaves the pride to give birth to her litter. She gives birth in a sheltered spot where she leaves them to go hunting. The cubs are very vulnerable during this time, often becoming the prey of hyenas whilst their mother is absent. If the mother senses the cubs are in danger she will move them to a new hiding spot, transporting them one by one in her mouth.

Baby cubs weigh 1-1.5 kilograms (2-3 pounds) at birth. They are born blind and their eyes open after about 7 days. At first the fur is spotted but the spots disappear as the cub grows. The spots may act as a camouflage, protecting the cub in its early days. The cub suckles for up to 6 months, beginning to eat solid food at 3 months. Once the cubs are big enough to follow their mother she takes them to join the pride and introduces them to their father. The female calls her young by roaring.

At about 3 years of age the young lions are evicted from their pride. They normally stay together on the move, leading a nomadic lifestyle until they take over another pride whose male has become too old and weak. They sometimes kill all the existing cubs, establishing themselves as the dominant males.