Manja Kema, a safari guide and photographer in Africa, frequently shares gorgeous glimpses into wildlife, and her recent video featuring a lion family is delighting the internet. She spotted a mother lion trying to squeeze in a quick nap while caring for her three playful cubs, but her little ones had very different plans.
In the clip, Mom is stretched out on her side, clearly hoping for some rest, while two of her mischievous cubs turn her tail into the perfect toy. They swat at it, bite it, and even seem to turn it into a game of tug-of-war. Even when Mom gives her tail a firm swat to try and put a stop to the antics, her rambunctious toddlers aren’t ready to quit their fun just yet!
Poor sleepy mama! We love how the one cub up by her head is trying to rest – we’re guessing that one is Mom’s favorite right now!
Manja shared in the caption, “No break for the mother! Little cubs refusing to go anywhere and not letting mom take a nap. Pulling her tail, climbing all over her, and turning discipline into playtime. Even in the wild, motherhood means patience… and a lot of chaos.”
Related: Tiny Lion Cub Practices Their Roar and Delights Tourists in Tanzania
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Funny Reactions to the Cubs Not Letting Mom Nap
As you can imagine, viewers could totally relate to the scene and know exactly how Mama Lion was feeling. @tarotcuzmic said it best, “So basically no matter the species. Mothers don’t get peace? LOL! I love this!”
@evina_poyaynil pointed out, “The unwavering patience of this mama…”, and @elaine valles1 added, “She is a Saint.” @iamdavonne agreed, too, “Nursing/ taking care of children, no matter the species, is exhausting…. Relatable!!!”
“She just wanna get some rest, and they’re messing with her LOL!”, said @therealmr.ray. Another commenter also agreed, “Mama hasn’t budged. Naughty baby cubs, no peace for mama. Play time!”
As a mother of twins (they’re now 16, so thankfully not toddlers anymore), I remember those long afternoons of desperately wanting just a few minutes of rest and not getting it. Watching those lion cubs reminded me of those days all too well. Hopefully, they eventually settled down and finally let their poor mom get a quick cat nap in…pun absolutely intended!
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.