First-time mum cleans one of her five cubs (but the little lion doesn't seem too pleased)

Published: 20:24 EDT, 2 November 2026 | Updated: 20:24 EDT, 2 November 2026 Adorable pictures show the moment a first-time mother cleans one of her five cubs. But the little lion doesn't appear too pleased at the prospect of being groomed by his mum. The cute snaps of the lioness and her children were taken in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Mary Schrader, who took the shot, said: 'This African lioness was a first-time mother with five cubs, which made this sighting especially remarkable and special to me. 'Litters that large are relatively uncommon, and raising five cubs as a first-time mother is an enormous undertaking.'At the time I photographed them, the cubs were only about two to three months old and still very dependent on her. 'While we were watching, the lioness began grooming one of the cubs, repeatedly licking its head and face. The cub's reaction made the moment particularly wonderful.' A lion cub gets licked by its mum - bit doesn't seem to pleased about it The cute snaps of the lioness and her children were taken in Kafue National Park, Zambia The cubs were around two to three months old, according to the photographer