When the tiny lion cub attempted its first roar, it provided sightseers with their own Lion King recreation.
The bold three-month-old cub, just like Simba from the 1994 Disney classic, willfully marched away from the pride on his own to explore.
Heinrich Neumeyer, 32, couldn’t believe his luck when the cub at the South African reserve decided to try out what he believed could have been its first roar.
“There were eight cubs in total, but this little one stole the show; no one seemed to notice the others,” explained Heinrich.
“This tiny guy’s performance stunned the rest of the group; the mischievous cub wasn’t listening to its mother.
The lion cub is practicing its roar.
“He certainly reminded us of Simba. He didn’t want there to be any restriction. He whined the entire time he was being carried by his mother and ran away as soon as he was set free.”
“His mum called him back a couple of times, but he was not finished, and he didn’t even look in her direction.
“She wasn’t taking any of it, so she walked to the cub and kept calling out for him, and he still ignored her.
“When she got to him, he immediately tried to flee, but she tripped, and he tumbled a few times.”
The lion cub is looking around
The fascinating cub was photographed by a professional wildlife photographer and safari guide from Rustenburg, South Africa, at the Sabi Sands game reserve near the Kruger National Park in the early hours of the morning.
“The lion pride’s roars could be heard throughout the night, but we were awakened by fury roars that pierced the early hours,” said Heinrich.
“Our guide went to each room with his flashlight and gathered us all for an earlier than usual game drive.”
“We hastened over to the game drives, and it was an exciting moment!
“Not even five minutes into the journey, we discovered the entirety of the Nkuhuma Pride, the kings who roused us all.”
The lion cub is having a drink.
The photos depict the young lion cub breaking free from his mother while practicing his magnificent roar to his adoring audience.
“He stopped for a second to think about what to do next, looked at our car, then the most precious little cub attempted to roar.
“Our hearts melted, and our cameras fired away!
“There were a lot of oohs and aahs from the group as the cub tried to state his authority.
“This tiny brave heart undoubtedly earned the right to get up so early and captured our hearts.
“This little fluff ball is all set to be a one-of-a-kind ruler. He’s ready to break away from the pack with a will of his own and no regard for any rules.”
