There is a quote from Walt Disney that I like. The famous creator of Mickey and Minnie once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember this whole thing was started by a mouse.”
Not gonna lie, I’m a fan of the Disney industry, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the fact that they own half of America. So when I got to Mara, I was tickled that Mr. Walt’s reaches extended to the African bush and a certain lioness.
Her name is Mickey. I saw her picture the second day here, and decided she was the lion I wanted to meet. She was named for her ears, which are uncharacteristically large for a lioness. I was quite delighted.
I’ve seen Mickey once since I got here, very briefly a few weeks ago. She was sitting on a few rocks, looking like the queen she is. Mickey has successfully raised two litters of cubs, the second of which are still with her now, but getting almost old enough to strike out on their own. The first litter included Athena, another lioness who has given birth to one litter of cubs.
Sadly, Athena’s first litter of cubs were killed by lionesses from a rival pride during our time here. However, she was seen recently with one of the big males, Leshaan, so Mickey may have some grandchildren again here in a few months. :)
This is just a piece of all the life that happens in the Mara for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and all the other animals that live here.
However, all the staff is in agreement…Mickey is a good mom. Not that I doubted it for a minute. I’m just hoping for the chance to see her again before I head out…the day after tomorrow!
Not gonna lie, I’m a fan of the Disney industry, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the fact that they own half of America. So when I got to Mara, I was tickled that Mr. Walt’s reaches extended to the African bush and a certain lioness.
Her name is Mickey. I saw her picture the second day here, and decided she was the lion I wanted to meet. She was named for her ears, which are uncharacteristically large for a lioness. I was quite delighted.
I’ve seen Mickey once since I got here, very briefly a few weeks ago. She was sitting on a few rocks, looking like the queen she is. Mickey has successfully raised two litters of cubs, the second of which are still with her now, but getting almost old enough to strike out on their own. The first litter included Athena, another lioness who has given birth to one litter of cubs.
Sadly, Athena’s first litter of cubs were killed by lionesses from a rival pride during our time here. However, she was seen recently with one of the big males, Leshaan, so Mickey may have some grandchildren again here in a few months. :)
This is just a piece of all the life that happens in the Mara for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and all the other animals that live here.
However, all the staff is in agreement…Mickey is a good mom. Not that I doubted it for a minute. I’m just hoping for the chance to see her again before I head out…the day after tomorrow!