When it comes to seeking comfort, rescued baby lions looking to replicate the warm embrace of their mothers sometimes adopt caretakers as a bonus parent. This interaction can create a deep bond between cub and caretaker. For one rescued lion, the deep bond with his nurturing caretaker meant the little cub serenades his friend with encouraging growls and wails.

In a video shared to social media, the rescued lion and his caretaker can be seen having a full conversation, despite using no words. As the lion growls in adoration, his caretaker sweetly mimics the lion’s sounds as if the two are talking. While the lion cuddles in his caretaker’s arms, finding a cozy spot on his shoulder, the little lion curiously licks and gnaws at his caretaker’s sleeve.

It’s not clear who’s lapping up the love—the lion or the caretaker.

The sweet interaction caught the attention of social media users who were completely taken with this adorable lion-caretaker relationship.

“How do I get this job?” asked one commenter. Another added, “Now I need a baby lion.”

Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “I want a baby lion cub.”

Rescued Lions Form Deep Bonds With Their Caretakers

Rescued lions often replicate a parental figure in a caretaker, which can forge a deep emotional bond between the two, especially for rescued cubs. Through consistent care, feeding, and regular interaction, a trusting bond can be built, leading the cub to see the caretaker as a substitute parent.

As the bond deepens between caretaker and rescued lion, the lion will start to seek out comfort and nurturing from the caretaker, often nuzzling and playing. With the building of trust, the rescued lion may start to resemble more of a domesticated cat than a wild animal.

But it’s important to remember, even a rescued cub is still a wild animal with unpredictable instincts. Even a rescued lion should never be treated as a pet, despite their sweet faces, silky coats, and playful disposition.

Experienced lion rescuers use caution when engaging with lions while still providing a nurturing and caring replacement for a parent.

Related: Sanctuary Lioness Hilariously Allows ‘Stubborn’ Man to Win Tug-of-War

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.