African lions (Panthera leo) mating. Lions breed year round, with the peak reproductive period during the rainy season. The female gives birth to between 1 and 6 cubs after a gestation period of 3 and a half months. Cubs are kept in hiding for their first 8 weeks. They are weaned between 7 and 10 months, but remain dependent on the pride's adults until around 16 months old. Females remain with their mother's pride but males leave the pride around the age of two and a half years. Photographed in Kenya, in September.