Seeing a wild lion in action can be impressive and make anyone’s skin crawl…
It is normal for puppies of any species to be full of life, and it doesn’t take long for them to bring out their inexhaustible energy, and eternal desire to play and interact with the rest of their litter, as well as with their parents.
That is undoubtedly a fundamental part for their growth and correct development of their natural instinct.
It is touching to see how between brothers they cannot avoid jumping on each other, biting each other’s necks or ears. And in wild specimens, we might freak out if that interaction ends in some unfortunate accident…
Just like the lions
Adult male lions are usually very competitive and territorial, to the point that they could see their cubs as a threat, even attacking them.
That is why the keepers of the Denver Zoo, in Colorado (United States), were perplexed by what happened between a father lion and his newborn.
He looked like a fearsome lion but he was an excited dad ready to play with his son.
What they all witnessed in that place showed them that even the most majestic and threatening lion can be very affectionate and tender in the face of the vulnerability of a newborn.
It all started when little Tatu came into the world, last summer
The caretakers were attentive to the reaction of his father, the roaring Tobias, when he saw his son for the first time.
They had witnessed how other lions killed their young, in their eagerness to maintain the dynasty.
But the thing is, Tobias had shown them to be a special lion, and although they trusted him, they were a little nervous…
However, as soon as the father began to sniff him, he seemed to understand that Tatu not only was a defenseless little boy but that he belonged to him, that he carried his blood and couldn’t be more proud of his little one.
At one point, it seems that he even kneels as if he worships that little being, that tomorrow he will be as strong and majestic as dad.
The networks did not take long to react, with emotional comments:
«He’s so precious, I love the dad’s interaction with his cub. It seems incredible so much tenderness from such a powerful and majestic creature.»
«He is nothing more than a cute» cat «touched by his child», «The biggest and most terrifying males in the world can become children when their babies are in front of them,» said other users.
Certainly, Tatu had spent most of his time with his mother Neliah. And the caretakers wanted to test Tobias’ big heart. Fortunately, they were not wrong.
Since his first meeting with dad, the pup has spent a lot of time with him, his mom, and his half-sister. Today, he passes away from the public eye because he is still very young and needs time to grow up and become stronger.
The zoo authorities took advantage of the virality of this story to announce that Tatu’s species has been seriously threatened.
That is why their birth is a great symbol of hope, and they consider that under the strict care of love and protection that their animals take in the zoo, they are safer than in their habitat, due to the danger of hunters.
This is the moving encounter between papa león and his baby that so many fall in love with:
«We hope that by seeing our little lion cub, people will be inspired and take action to help protect their wild counterparts and other wild animals around the world,» zoo officials concluded.
These scenes warm our souls. What better example than this male, who does not hesitate to melt before his son, against his apparent rudeness.
