The Lazy Lion Cubs
A few days later, the wind changed direction, and Shovu followed it deeper into the bush. The air shimmered with heat; the grass was tall and dry, waving like golden seaweed under the sun.
As he reached a quiet riverbed near Lower Sabie, Shovu decided to rest. He splashed his trunk into a muddy pool, spraying water over his back. “Ahhh,” he sighed. “Nothing better than a cool bath on a hot day.”
Then he heard voices — young voices, grumbling and yawning.
Behind a nearby thorn bush lay two lion cubs, their golden fur dusty from rolling in the sand. They were supposed to be watching their mother, who was out hunting, but instead they were lying flat on their bellies, complaining.
“It’s too hot to do anything,” groaned the first cub.
“I don’t see why we have to learn to hunt,” said the other. “Mama always brings food. We’ll just wait for her.”
Shovu smiled to himself. Lions were proud and strong, but even the mighty need to learn.
He lumbered closer, his shadow falling over them. “Good afternoon, little lions,” he said. “You look like two puddles of fur.”
The cubs jumped to their feet. “Oh! It’s Shovu, the big elephant!” the first said nervously.
“That’s me,” Shovu chuckled. “Tell me, why are you hiding here when your mother is out working so hard?”
The first cub flicked his tail. “We don’t like hunting,” he admitted. “It’s hard. We get tired.”
“And it’s scary,” added the second. “Sometimes the zebras kick!”
Shovu nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, hunting is difficult. But every creature in the bush has to work for what they need. I walk for miles each day to find water and food for my herd. The birds build nests. Even the dung beetle rolls his ball of dirt with pride. Do you think he says, ‘It’s too hard’? No — he just keeps rolling!”
The cubs looked down.
“But,” said Shovu softly, “working together makes things easier. Your mother hunts not just for herself, but for both of you. Don’t you want to help her when you grow up?”
The first cub thought for a moment. “I guess I do. I want to be strong like Mama.”
Shovu smiled. “Then you must learn, little one. You can’t become strong by sleeping through life.”
The cubs laughed at that. “But we like sleeping!”
“Ah,” said Shovu with a wink, “there is time for both. Work when it’s time to work, rest when it’s time to rest. That is the way of the bush.”
Just then, a small breeze brought the scent of lioness nearby. The cubs perked up.
“Mama’s coming!” they said excitedly.
“Go,” Shovu encouraged. “Show her how brave and helpful her cubs can be.”
The cubs bounded off through the grass, tails high, chattering about how they would try helping next time.
Shovu watched them disappear into the savannah. He smiled, then turned toward the river again, dipping his trunk into the cool water. The world was full of lessons, he thought — and he still had many friends to teach.
As the sun set in a wash of orange and gold, Shovu raised his trunk and trumpeted softly — a promise to the wild that he would keep spreading kindness wherever he roamed.
Lesson: Working together brings strength and pride.
Two lion cubs learn that helping their mother hunt and taking responsibility are part of growing up and caring for their family.