In an unprecedented event in the wild, a lioness has been spotted suckling a leopard cub in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This remarkable interaction, captured on camera for the first time on July 12, has left wildlife experts and enthusiasts astounded.
The leopard cub, estimated to be only three weeks old, was seen nursing on a five-year-old lioness. This lioness, collared and monitored by KopeLion, a conservation NGO supported by Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization, displayed a behavior that defies the natural rivalry between these two species.
In the wild, lions and leopards are known to kill each other's cubs to reduce competition for food and ensure the survival of their own offspring. However, this rare instance of cross-species adoption is a first in the world of big cats. Luke Hunter, Panthera's president and chief conservation officer, emphasizes the uniqueness of this situation, stating, "I know of no other example of inter-species adoption or nursing like this among big cats in the wild."
One critical factor in this unusual behavior is the recent birth of the lioness's own cubs. Named Nosikitok by KopeLion’s Maasai lion scouts, the lioness is thought to have given birth to her second litter in mid to late June. Although her cubs are no longer with her, her maternal instincts remain strong. "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill," Hunter explains.
Nosikitok's adoption of the leopard cub is not only a display of her maternal drive but also a rare glimpse into the complexities of animal behavior. The cub, nearly the same age and physically similar to her own, has found an unlikely surrogate mother in this bereaved lioness. "She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn’t already awash with a ferocious maternal drive," Hunter adds.
Despite this heartwarming display, the leopard cub's future remains uncertain. The lioness’s pride is unlikely to accept the cub, posing a significant threat to its survival. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognize individuals by sight and by roars. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed," Hunter notes.
Human intervention poses less of a threat, thanks to KopeLion's efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The Maasai, who no longer hunt lions to prove manhood, still retaliate against lions to protect livestock. KopeLion’s scouts play a crucial role in finding lost livestock, reinforcing corrals, providing medical treatment for attacked animals, and tracking lions to notify locals when prides are near, thus discouraging hunts. Their efforts have prevented numerous lion hunts, including those targeting Nosikitok's pride.
If the leopard cub manages to survive to adulthood, it raises an intriguing question: Would it adopt lion-like behaviors or revert to its leopard instincts? Hunter believes the latter. "I strongly suspect it would revert to behaving as a leopard. Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
This extraordinary event offers a rare glimpse into the unpredictable and often mysterious world of wildlife. As Nosikitok continues to nurture the leopard cub, we are reminded of the incredible bonds and behaviors that can form in nature, defying our expectations and expanding our understanding of these magnificent creatures.