Sitting on the grass is a pride of magnificent lions. There are five of them, King Booba, Queen Malindi and hers three cubs from her Bongo, Komga and Gandor.

The lions live at Zoo d’Amnéville in their own enclosure surrounded by tall, healthy trees. They have plenty of space to run and play. Booba is currently resting and the cubs are playing nearby.

While the pups are playing, one irritates Booba and he decides to teach them about personal space. Booba gets up and begins to discipline his pups by playing fight.

Of course, it’s just how lions learn without hurting each other. When they fight, they are gentle. It may seem scary, but Booba makes sure they remember their lessons.

Through play fighting, the pups learn and create a bond that will last for years to come. Malindi, their mother, also takes the time to play with them.

After a year, the cubs grow to be almost as big as their father. At 17 months, their manes begin to grow. It will be a while before they can have the same regal mane as their father.

The pups are still very playful. One of them can’t resist biting Malindi’s tail, which was waving it in front of her cub’s mouth.