Lioness and cubs encounter ‘Tsonga’ in Tembe Elephant Park

During a lion monitoring session with Kevin Emslie, conservation volunteer Johannes Gurtler took these pictures of a lioness in Tembe Elephant Park. She’s nicknamed Dee and seen here with her three cubs. This sighting enabled Kevin to sex the little lion cubs who are only a few months old. Dee then had an encounter with Tsonga, a male lion in the area (which didn’t end so well for him as he ran off with tail between his legs).

Lionesses are highly protective of their young and won’t hesitate to defend!

Dee’s three cubs

Dee approaches Tsonga

Dee gives Tsonga a hiding