Lioness Takes Comfort In Adopting A Springbok After Losing Her Own Cubs

There’s nothing more tragic for a mama than suddenly losing all of her babies at the same time, and sadly it happens a lot in the tough wildlife. Many of them can hardly get over such pain, even though they have no choice but to deal with it. And for the case of this young lioness at Etosha National Park, Namibia, she has chosen to fill the void in her life by taking care of a really special kid that belongs to a totally different species.

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Not long after a male lion killed all of her young cubs, the heartbreaking lioness was spotted adopting a springbok and raising him as her own. Photographer Gordon Donovan was one of the few lucky visitors who got the chance to witness their heartwarming moments together.

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At first, he thought that little springbok was nothing but her prey (which he’s supposed to be in fact), but what happened next really amazed the 53-year-old man. Not only did she gently played with him, hugged him and licked him, she also protected him from other hungry lions around.

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“It was a bizarre yet stunning sight to behold,” Donovan said. “I was excited about the lions, and when she captured the springbok I was waiting for the kill. But it never came and started cleaning the calf. That’s the mysterious way of nature, never knowing what will happen next.”

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Donovan had traveled all the way from New York to this beautiful country, and it’s safe to say this amazing journey did not disappoint him

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Many wildlife photographers search their entire life for such incredible shots, but not all of them could catch a glimpse of what they are looking for.