An untrained eye would easily overlook them. At the height of the dry season these fawn-colored lion cubs blend in perfectly, helping to keep them safe from predators.

The White Rock Pride has seen an explosion of cubs recently, a prolific rebound following some difficult years, and the loss of a number of individuals to human-wildlife conflicts. The core of this pride, on Mbirikani Group Ranch, now boasts 5 lionesses and 10 cubs – 6 older and 4 still very small.

Twenty years ago, this lion population was on the verge of local extinction. Thanks to the concerted efforts of our conservation partners and funders, and the participation of local communities, lions across Greater Amboseli are once again at healthy population levels. Our Predator Compensation Fund prevent retaliations against them for depredation of livestock; programs like our upcoming Maasai Olympics have helped to shift Maasai culture from killing to conservation.

This is an explosion of kittens worth celebrating. Thank you all for making it possible.

Image: Jeremy Goss