With her tiny cub held firmly by the scruff of the neck, a courageous lioness fearlessly navigates a treacherous river crossing. Despite the challenging conditions, the plucky mother carefully guides her nine-week-old offspring across the choppy waters, hopping from one makeshift stepping stone to another.
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In these breathtaking photographs, we witness the heart-stopping scene as the lioness makes her way to reunite with the rest of her pride on the opposite bank, never letting go of her precious cub!
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Despite the fast-flowing waters of the Ntiakitiak River in Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve, a young cub emerged unscathed, with only a damp coat, as its mother deftly navigated the treacherous currents. The incredible moment was captured by Greek photographer Kyriakos Kaziras during a trip in December, while staying at Kicheche Bush Camp, owned by photographer Paul Goldstein.
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According to Paul, Kaziras and his guide had been observing the Enkoyanai pride early in the morning, following a period of heavy rain that had turned the typically small Ntiakitiak River into a raging torrent.
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“There had been plenty of rain and the Ntiakitiak River, normally a trickle, was a swollen torrent,” Paul said.”The mother had to take the momentous decision to carry her nine-week-old cub to join them. The risks of such a journey were very real.
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“I have photographed lions carrying cubs and seen them crossing rivers, but the combination is unique and has never been seen, let alone recorded,” Paul said.
(h.t: mailonline)