A double header, for your viewing pleasure.  

Our three favorite cubs are suckling, and often compete for the best teat.  The male cub usually wins and stays the longest. 

An eleven month-old looks on jealously to the nursing cubs.  She is sulking.  Mom has weened her, and will lot allow her to suckle at this moment.  Gone is the instant, always available food source.  

She still tries, though, but is warned by mom not to approach with a low, malicious growl.  The message is quite clear.  You feel it deep in your gut and prey that sound is never directed at you. 

A male elephant in musk shows up by surprise and pushes the resting lions from the road.  These two species do not like each other.  While lions do not usually attack elephants here, that does not mean they get along.

The elephant considers for several moments whether or not to charge the remaining lions. We sit and watch the exchange.  They are now fully awake and at attention, watching what the elephant will do. 

The elephant eventually charges and the lions scatter.  He reaches the vehicle and rears up a little, to intimate us.  Like lions, elephants don’t associate the shape of the vehicle with humans.  This is why you must always be seated  The guide immediately moves us, too.  A male elephant in musk is to be given lots of room.  They can be very unpredictable.  RBD has video of the charge, which I will try and get for you.    

Our guide’s brother went swimming when younger and was caught by an alligator.  He survived after everyone intervened and pulled the animal off him, but walks with a permanent limp and needs a cane.

Zebras and Impalas are often together.  The more eyes and ears, the better.  They do not compete for food.  Zebras are bulk eaters, while Impalas are much picker. You can train Zebras, but you cannot ride them.  Their spines are not strong enough to support humans.   

Giraffe enjoy their watchful vantage point.  They keep track everything below them, and will move to find you again should you disappear from view. The male giraffe has the larger, thicker horns.