Lion Cub Sounds
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March 2011
Many of you have seen the lion cubs on the cams or in their yard but we imagine that most of you haven't had the chance to hear them. We set up a microphone inside recently and captured these vocalizations. Enjoy!
This is the vocalization of a cub separated from his mom and/or his siblings.
The cubs are usually quiet while separated from their moms but quite vocal when the moms return. This recording was made when the cubs and their moms were reunited after having been shifted inside for the day and separated for their feeding. Some of the cubs were just standing under their mothers bellies vocalizing while others were walking around doing the same. Even after a meal of meat, five- and six-month-old cubs may still want to nurse. Naba and Shera usually give in.
This recording was made of a cub that was growling and hissing at his reflection in the mirror. The cubs often make these threatening noises when exploring something for the first time. Just like adults do when they are expressing aggressive behavior, this cub laid his ears flat, bared his teeth, and lifted his paw into the air. Now that the cubs have seen their reflections several times, they are more curious and less afraid of the little lions looking back at them!
