In a lion pride, the primary responsibility for raising the young lies with the lionesses. They are the main caregivers who nurse, protect, and teach the cubs essential survival skills such as hunting. Lionesses often give birth around the same time and share communal care duties, including babysitting each other's cubs while hunting. This cooperative rearing helps improve the cubs' chances of survival and strengthens the pride's social bonds
. Male lions, typically a coalition of two to four dominant males, play a protective role. They defend the pride's territory, protect the cubs from outside threats, and help secure resources, but they do not usually participate directly in hunting or cub-rearing. Their presence helps deter rival males and predators, ensuring the safety of the pride and its young
. Thus, lionesses are the backbone of cub-rearing in the pride, while males provide protection and territorial defense. This division of roles supports the pride's survival and the successful upbringing of the next generation
