I was just a cub when everything got taken from me. The last thing I remember was the terrifying look on the men that killed my parents. I was lucky to survive, but the hunters weren’t the only thing I had to run from. My home that I grew up in was swallowed in flames and I knew there was no going back. I was a scared little lion cub, all by myself in the dark, smoky night of the savanna. I was off to find a new home and the journey ahead was going to be long and filled with things I have never seen before.

    I was making my way through the savanna and noticed the change in the grass. Where I grew up, I was accustomed to the acacia trees and the tall elephant grass that was great for hiding in. I noticed the change in color and saw grasses such as red oat grass, Bermuda grass, Rhodes grass and lemongrass. I also noticed the different trees as I made my way to find a new home. On my way, I stopped to ask a few meerkats what kind of trees were in the area and they told me they were baobab trees and jackalberry trees. I noticed many animals around and I was worried what would happen if the humans came.

    My journey started off with no problems but I knew being a young cub out in the wild savanna would bring some unwanted attention. It was just before sunset and I was looking for some place to sleep for the night when I heard something in the tall grass around me. Before I noticed what was going on, I was surrounded by a group of spotted hyenas. I was trapped with no place to go and I was going to end up being their dinner. As they were about to attack me, I heard a roar that was so loud, it reminded me of the gunshots I heard on the night my parents were killed. I didn’t know whether I should be afraid or grateful, because there was a huge lion standing in front of me and all the hyenas vanished.

I stood there frozen, as if not a single muscle in my body could work. Then the lion spoke to me in a deep voice, “What is a little cub like you wandering at night by yourself for?” I managed to overcome my fear and told the lion what happened to my family. The lion took me back home with him and let me settle in. I was grateful to still be here and if it wasn’t for the lion, I would be dead.

    The next morning I was introduced to the pride and was welcomed with a morning feast. I hadn’t eaten in a couple of days so the wildebeest tasted extra good. I realized how nice it was for this group to take me in as their own. Later on, I was invited to go explore with the group. As we made our way through the tall grass, we saw zebras, rhinos, bugs, worms, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, gazelle and the most amazing group of African Elephants. They stood towering over us and it was amazing to see them drinking from the pond.