Her jaws clamped firmly around the scruff of her tiny cub’s neck, this plucky lioness is taking no chances as she tackles a risky river crossing.As her nine-week-old youngster dangles beneath her, the mother skips gingerly between impromptu stepping stones.These stunning images capture the heart-stopping moment the lioness braved choppy waters, clasping her little one’s nape, as she made her way to join the rest of the pride on the other side of the river.
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I’ve got my pride: Despite being a little bit soggy, the cub made it safely across the river‘The bulk of the pride were on the east bank and the mother had to take the momentous decision to carry her nine-week-old cub to join them.‘The risks of such a journey were very real, particularly as the cub was at least a month older than normal “carrying age”.‘I have photographed lions carrying cubs and seen them crossing rivers, but the combination is unique and has never been seen, let alone recorded.’