A young lion cub in Kenya’s Masai Mara enjoyed thorough grooming from two affectionate lionesses in its pride.
Wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein captured the heartwarming moment as the attentive lionesses licked the cub on both sides.
Goldstein, who leads photography tours for adventure travel company Exodus, spotted the playful scene earlier this month while on a safari in the famous national reserve.
After the encounter, Goldstein shared: “Even after 25 years of watching these cubs, their playful antics never get old. The mothers are patient, and the cubs seem to love the rough scrape of their tongues against their fur, which often gets tangled.”
This grooming ritual is more than just a bath—it plays an important role in keeping the cubs safe. According to Goldstein, after feeding, the mothers diligently remove any scent that might attract predators, which is crucial for the survival of young cubs like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. “As a spectacle, it’s hard to beat,” he added.
Paul Goldstein runs wildlife photography tours and co-owns Kicheche Camps in Kenya, furthering his passion for wildlife conservation and adventure tourism.
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