Adult lions in any pride jockey for mating rights. If the males are related, only one brother or cousin will mate with all of the females, in order to keep family blood lines intact. Unrelated males will instead take turns mating with available females in an effort to insure that both sets of genes are passed down to the new generation. After 110 days of gestation, lionesses give birth to cubs. The average number is three cubs per litter, but lionesses may bear as many as five at a time.
Most mothers find secluded rocks or marshy areas in which to give birth.
Mothers closely guard their newborns from predators like hyenas and jackals, until introducing them to the pride at about four weeks of age. Raising young is a community effort among the females, who take turns nursing the cubs.