'It is quite opposite to what we know about big cats': Wild momma lioness adopts an abandoned leopard cub and raises it as one of her own alongside her two lion cubs, showing off an incredibly unique and rare bond between big cats

Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor

Apr 12, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

When this leopard cub was abandoned by its momma, we never expected that his life would be saved by another big cat - except that big cat is not a leopard, it's a lioness.

Cats' maternal instincts are very real, and that doesn't apply solely to domestic cats. We have seen, time and time again, cats adopting other animals. We have seen cats adopt kittens from other litters. We've seen cats adopt puppies who don't have moms. We've even seen a cat adopt an otter. Because their need to take care of itty-bitty things is stronger than almost anything.

And we knew, in theory, that big cats are just like house cats in some ways. What we didn't realize was that it would apply in this way too - simply because it happens so, so rarely. But apparently, big cats are like house cats in this way too. This momma lioness saw a baby leopard in need and couldn't stand by. To everyone's surprise, she took him in and raised him alongside her own cubs,

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via Smithsonian Magazine / Dheeraj Mittal/Deputy Conservator of Forests in India
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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via Smithsonian Magazine / Dheeraj Mittal/Deputy Conservator of Forests in India
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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via Smithsonian Magazine / Dheeraj Mittal/Deputy Conservator of Forests in India
“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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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
“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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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via JOOP VAN DER LINDE/NDUTU LODGE
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via jenntones
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via balZbig
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via kakistocrator
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via Uresanme
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via -Cats-Are-OK-