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When it comes to rare animal friendships, this is possibly one of the rarest ones. A lioness has adopted a one-and-a-half-month-old leopard cub who was separated from its mother. Officials in Gujarat forest, where the bond has happened, are claiming that this is a “rare phenomenon”, but we don't think that's quite strong enough of a statement about this incredibly unique thing.
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According to the Hindustan Times, the momma lioness already had two cubs of her own when she took in the little leopard, and she has been treating as if it is simply another cub of her own. She is feeding him, keeping an eye on him and protecting him from anyone else who might want to harm him, explained Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gir-West division Dheeraj Mittal.
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“It is indeed a rare phenomenon, as lions tend to k*ll leopards. In this case, it is quite opposite to what we know about big cats. The lioness is taking extra care of a leopard cub. The lioness is even protecting it from lions present in the area,” he added. The cub is seen entirely at ease with its new momma and siblings, fully integrated into their special family.
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“We are also surprised to see how a leopard cub understands the signs and sounds of a mother lioness. While roaming around, the lioness is taking extra care as she understands that the leopard cub is not able to match her pace or that of her cubs,” Mittal said.
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When asked about where the mother leopard might be, Mittal said, “It is possible that the mother leopard might have abandoned the cub, or she may have lost the cub accidentally. It is also possible that she is around but afraid of going near the lioness."
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Chief Conservator of Forest, D T Vasavada, explained that forest staff are surprised by this development but are not discouraging it. They are simply observing it and keeping an eye on the lioness. “We are having no plans to retrieve the cub. We will not interfere with nature. But we are keeping a close watch on the lioness."
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