The cubs are born in a hide among rocks, a litter may have 2 - 4 cubs, sometimes even more. The cubs play a lot and practise hiding and attacking. They are weaned with 10 weeks, but remain with their mother until 18 months or so. Hunting The favorite prey of the lions differs, but Wildebeest, Zebra and Thomson Gazelles are most important in East Africa. Buffalos, other gazelles and Warthogs form another substantial part of the diet.
Lionesses often hunt in small groups increasing their success.
They work as a team, using different hunting methods like circling the pray or waiting in ambush when other pride members start the attack. The chance was higher in the night then at daytime, and best when stalking a single wildebeest. The prey is attacked from ambush, thrown to earth and strangled. Lions kill less young animals then hunting dogs or cheetahs, they concentrate on bigger animals. Often they chase hyenas away from their kill, but a big group of hyenas may chase the lions from their supper.