THE STORY OF TAAI, MY LION SON

Taai A time when my heart used to walk around outside of me. Today is Taai’s 4 th birthday. I actually had to count the years this morning because although I woke up knowing that it is his 4 th birthday, I couldn’t believe it. How have 4 whole years gone by since he came into my life? On the 26 th October 2013 a Lioness called Angel of Fire gave birth to 6 cubs. This is considered a large litter. Lions only have 4 nipples so 4 of the 6 cubs would comfortably suckle at one time whilst two would hungrily root around for a teat but only get to drink if they could nudge another cub off or the other cub had had enough and abandoned her spot. For the first few days it seemed to be evenly matched with all cubs getting a chance to feed. But as the days progressed, Angel Of Fire would only allow 4 cubs to suckle, with no particular preference, she’d lie still whilst the first 4 cubs latched on but would quickly stand up and shake them all off when the 5...