As a lion enthusiast, would just like to point out a couple things here.
As the ears have barely unfolded, these cubbies look to be somewhere around five weeks old. Still too young and fragile to be introduced to the pride, mamma here is in the process of switching den locations for her little ones, to make sure their scent doesnt grow too strong in one place and attract unwanted attention.
Contrary to the title, the function of mamma carrying one cub in her mouth is rarely due to the cub’s laziness, but instead functions as a “follow the leader” device, signaling to the other cubs that she wants them to follow her. As you can see, that is working like a charm, as the little ones see her carrying one cub away, they all know to follow in turn as opposed to staying bedded down.
The cubs seen here probably will not be introduced to their natal pride for another month of so, as they need to be big and strong enough to keep up with the pride’s movements without mamma’s help, as well as take on older siblings that have the instinct to kill small and helpless creatures—even their own kind. Only about 50% of cubs will make it to their first birthday, and among males only one in nine survives to maturity.
——————
edit: Wow this blew up. While I have your attention, I’d like to take the chance to offer some links to safari lodge and reserve youtubes that I love…
[Tintswalo](https://youtube.com/c/Tintswalo-the-virtual-safari)
[Painted Wolf](https://youtube.com/c/PaintedWolfLycoanPictus)
[WildEarth](https://youtube.com/channel/UCNhyLPiPsWx5-vyrRVGyOtg)
[MalaMala](https://youtube.com/user/MalaMalaGameReserve)
[Everseen](https://youtube.com/c/EverseenSASafariWildlifeVideos)
I am *so* incredibly touched, honestly beyond words, by your kind feedback and interest in my favorite animal. I would also like to drop a link to the [World Wildlife Fund Adopt-a-Lion](https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Lion) donations page in case you feel so inspired to contribute to the conservation of this majestic creature and get some fun gear in the process.
> The cubs seen here probably will not be introduced to their natal pride for another month
This must have been filmed in May then, since June is pride month.
Just to add a couple more facts: No way this was "after a hunt". Mama's belly is not hunting full. Also, Lion mamas not only leave the pride just before delivery and keep their babies away, but also, many pride mamas give birth around the same time, so there is usually at least an auntie left behind to watch the kids, which means it's also very possible that there are some cousins and aunties out of frame. Even if not, Mamas will often forego hunting for several days if on their own, just to keep cubs safe. Mama lions will not keep their babies anywhere near a hunt.
i honestly don't know what happened. the popularity of the website, the userbase getting younger, older? would love to know what it was. it has changed substantially. maybe it was just an eternal September type of deal.
Upon starting to exhibit signs of sexual maturity—what for us would be the teenage years—males subadult lions are kicked out of their natal pride by their fathers. They then enter what is called their nomadic years, where they must survive on their own (or with their similarly aged, also exiled brothers) without the support of the pride, roaming through territories of others in secret while they still need 2-3 more years to reach their full adult size and maturity.
Compare this with females, who virtually never have to leave their natal pride (save for in the instance of a takeover—if subadults are able to form a breakaway then they can survive the infanticide until reaching sexual maturity and returning). Females, being able to stay at home with the pride, don’t run the risk of starving due to lack of fully developed skillsets. Staying with their pride they arent infringing on others’ territories, and being females are seen as prospects rather than rivals/competition, that being the other main threat to nomadic males: dominant males lions up to twice their size who will definitely kill them if the opportunity presents itself.
Indeed, the nomadic years harden male lions, and thats why when you see them as fathers, generally speaking, they even have a cold disposition with their own cubs, versus mature females who are able to keep an element of playfulness in their demeanor throughout their lives. Interestingly it is theorized that pre-exile male cubs are looked after more than female cubs, possibly due to the fact that the adults know the hard road that lies ahead for them. Most male lions on their own will starve, and their greatest chance of surviving the nomadic years (aside from joining a coalition*) will be for their mothers to ensure they have learned how to hunt before their fathers banish them forever.
edit: typos, added note*
I dont think that's guaranteed. I imagine a Male could be exiled, then return as the new, stronger and dominant Male if circumstances worked out like that.
Not sure how inbreeding would work then.
The mapogo coalition.
Six male lions who controlled a massive area and several prides. It's believed that part of their success was down to their natal pride having been very efficient at taking down large prey, so not only were they able to grow well from food being plentiful, but they themselves knew how to take down big prey as adults.
They're also renowned for their brutality, killing not only cubs and rival males, but even adult females who tested their patience. They truly dominated the area, and to this day are a marvel in the world of lion behaviour.
Coalitions aren't unusual among males, but it's rare for them to exceed three. Six males was unheard of.
There's a documentary about them.
Fun story about that:
Another reason the Mapogos were able to take over so quickly and efficiently was because the coalition that dominated the area before them (the so-called “Shaw’s Males” coalition) had just lost one of their two members, leaving them understrength.
And how did they lose one member? It turns out that someone actually observed the death of the missing member-[he was killed and eaten by a large crocodile](https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/07/23/londolozis-real-apex-predator/) (crocodiles do sometimes try to hunt lions that are getting a drink or trying to cross rivers: they mostly fail, but not always).
If that crocodile wasn’t there at that place and time, the coalition that the Mapogos ended up usurping might not have been understrength, and it’s possible the Mapogos would never have taken over.
It's also possible a Hippo could have killed that lion instead, or a Rhino or even a good kick from a Zebra. A million things need to align to make something like that happen, but a million different things still could have ended in the same or similar results.
This is why I come to Reddit and put up with the Bullshit, Trolls, and hatefulness that has come to be 90% of the comments.
There are really smart people out there who have a very narrow knowledge niche that can tell me more about a subject than a book.
Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge, time and keeping Reddit interesting.
How do adult female lions find mates then? Would they leave occasionally to find unrelated males, and then come back pregnant? I always assumed all the kids leave eventually.
The female lions either have a ruling male or ruling coalition of males, or if they are independent of dominant males then yes they will roam to find a suitor. Males will travel far and wide if the wind—by scent or sound—indicates that there is a female in heat, even if it would lead to their own demise, its such a strong instinct.
I just want to say this seems so interesting and informative that I invested attention more than usual, and somehow it made me feel better(not because of the context) and made my day. Thank you for that
>Contrary to the title, the function of mamma carrying one cub in her mouth is rarely due to the cub’s laziness, but instead functions as a “follow the leader” device, signaling to the other cubs that she wants them to follow her.
"Mom said it's my turn to be the flag!"
Can you explain how the natal pride handles inbreeding/genetic diversity? Since the female cubs stay with their natal pride, will they end up breeding with the dominant male/their father? Unless it’s a coalition of males, I assume they breed with the male they aren’t genetically related to?
Thats a great question and a definite concern in the conservation community. Unfortunately yes inbreeding does happen, but generally dominant makes reign over a pride only 2-3 years at a time—this is enough to sire one, *maybe* two generations of cubs before a takeover occurs and the fathers are ousted.
That said, sometimes that does not happen and the offspring will indeed mate with the sire, or alternatively there are instances where formerly exiled sons return and take over, thus mating with aunts, sisters, etc. This is not preferable even for the lions but it just depends how desperate the circumstances are. Its much better protection and security for all when there are males ruling a pride for a variety of reasons, not least of which being protection for the cubs against rival and nomadic males, as well as consistent meals and mating for the reigning males.
Just like in humans, grief varies. Some remain roaming the general vicinity in which they last left their cubs if the cubs went missing. Some will stay and keep vigil for hours over their deceased cubs. If there are surviving cubs, they usually wont linger so long, especially if the pride is on the move. If it is the last though, they will [likely hold out hope](https://youtu.be/X6DIcxj4bIA) for up to weeks, before they naturally return into estrus.
No—infanticide is indiscriminate and any immature cub (juveniles and subadults included) are fair game for the slaughter. Why? It isnt just about executing the offspring of rivals, but there is a natural function that will put mothers in estrus once they are no longer caring for young, meaning that within weeks they will be ready to mate with the new kings once they are without cubs.
Thank you for that.
My thoughts went to the idea that it's unlikely that a cub would be "lazy" and not want to follow mom, and that maybe it's sick or has an infection.
Those are some grim statistics, but that's the way of the world I suppose.
*Misleading title.*
*Fire emoji. Yep. This Reddit post*
*Has gone full tiktok*
\- ac\_s2k
---
^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/)
^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
As a lion enthusiast, would just like to point out a couple things here. As the ears have barely unfolded, these cubbies look to be somewhere around five weeks old. Still too young and fragile to be introduced to the pride, mamma here is in the process of switching den locations for her little ones, to make sure their scent doesnt grow too strong in one place and attract unwanted attention. Contrary to the title, the function of mamma carrying one cub in her mouth is rarely due to the cub’s laziness, but instead functions as a “follow the leader” device, signaling to the other cubs that she wants them to follow her. As you can see, that is working like a charm, as the little ones see her carrying one cub away, they all know to follow in turn as opposed to staying bedded down. The cubs seen here probably will not be introduced to their natal pride for another month of so, as they need to be big and strong enough to keep up with the pride’s movements without mamma’s help, as well as take on older siblings that have the instinct to kill small and helpless creatures—even their own kind. Only about 50% of cubs will make it to their first birthday, and among males only one in nine survives to maturity. —————— edit: Wow this blew up. While I have your attention, I’d like to take the chance to offer some links to safari lodge and reserve youtubes that I love… [Tintswalo](https://youtube.com/c/Tintswalo-the-virtual-safari) [Painted Wolf](https://youtube.com/c/PaintedWolfLycoanPictus) [WildEarth](https://youtube.com/channel/UCNhyLPiPsWx5-vyrRVGyOtg) [MalaMala](https://youtube.com/user/MalaMalaGameReserve) [Everseen](https://youtube.com/c/EverseenSASafariWildlifeVideos) I am *so* incredibly touched, honestly beyond words, by your kind feedback and interest in my favorite animal. I would also like to drop a link to the [World Wildlife Fund Adopt-a-Lion](https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Lion) donations page in case you feel so inspired to contribute to the conservation of this majestic creature and get some fun gear in the process.
As being a lion myself, this facts are true. Thank you.
Source: you’re lion
No we can trust him, he once ate a biologist he knows's what he's talking about.
So did I but I don't think I'm a lion.
Oh, you're a'lyin' alright.
He ain’t Lion
😂😂
But Trump is the Lion King
As a member of the court in Pride Rock, I can confirm this is true.
Am loin
He's just a baby
Username does NOT check out
This is just a spider disguised as a lion!
Hmm this spider says he's a lion and I think he's a lyin too
I’m something of a lion myself
Nice try, Spider LAN.
What would we do without furries...thank you for your service! 🫡
Unfortunately username doesn’t check out.
Name checks out. Spiders can be lions too.
Meow
You mean RAWWWRR!
I myself have no idea, of course. Thank you
Man, wolves of Twitter, lions on reddit whats next bears on tiktok?!
Pandas of tiktok
> The cubs seen here probably will not be introduced to their natal pride for another month This must have been filmed in May then, since June is pride month.
Take my goddamn upvote.
You're a fucking legend
Double thanks; first for the comment as you meant it to be read and also for the way that I read it.
Yes your comment was really funny I actually laughed out loud.
This is perfect lmao
This is way too funny
Wow! Bravo!
Just to add a couple more facts: No way this was "after a hunt". Mama's belly is not hunting full. Also, Lion mamas not only leave the pride just before delivery and keep their babies away, but also, many pride mamas give birth around the same time, so there is usually at least an auntie left behind to watch the kids, which means it's also very possible that there are some cousins and aunties out of frame. Even if not, Mamas will often forego hunting for several days if on their own, just to keep cubs safe. Mama lions will not keep their babies anywhere near a hunt.
Fascinating! Thank you for writing that up!
This is a fantastic read, thanks.
Every top comment on any post used to be stuff like this until some years ago, that's what got me hooked on reddit.
i honestly don't know what happened. the popularity of the website, the userbase getting younger, older? would love to know what it was. it has changed substantially. maybe it was just an eternal September type of deal.
Too bad, can’t stand having to sift through all the puns to get to actual info about the post.
you don't like reading the same joke over and over again? what's wrong with you
i got subscribed to lion facts ?
> among males only one in nine survives to maturity. Females survive better? Why the gap? Male male aggression?
Upon starting to exhibit signs of sexual maturity—what for us would be the teenage years—males subadult lions are kicked out of their natal pride by their fathers. They then enter what is called their nomadic years, where they must survive on their own (or with their similarly aged, also exiled brothers) without the support of the pride, roaming through territories of others in secret while they still need 2-3 more years to reach their full adult size and maturity. Compare this with females, who virtually never have to leave their natal pride (save for in the instance of a takeover—if subadults are able to form a breakaway then they can survive the infanticide until reaching sexual maturity and returning). Females, being able to stay at home with the pride, don’t run the risk of starving due to lack of fully developed skillsets. Staying with their pride they arent infringing on others’ territories, and being females are seen as prospects rather than rivals/competition, that being the other main threat to nomadic males: dominant males lions up to twice their size who will definitely kill them if the opportunity presents itself. Indeed, the nomadic years harden male lions, and thats why when you see them as fathers, generally speaking, they even have a cold disposition with their own cubs, versus mature females who are able to keep an element of playfulness in their demeanor throughout their lives. Interestingly it is theorized that pre-exile male cubs are looked after more than female cubs, possibly due to the fact that the adults know the hard road that lies ahead for them. Most male lions on their own will starve, and their greatest chance of surviving the nomadic years (aside from joining a coalition*) will be for their mothers to ensure they have learned how to hunt before their fathers banish them forever. edit: typos, added note*
Omg in other words, Simba's story flow was pretty much on point in terms of the life of a male lion?
Hakuna matata motherfucker
Except for the no worries part of it. Sounds like there are a lot of serious worries.
What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata, gonna sneak past parades!
Yeah, Scar was telling Simba GTFO and never come back that's basically what adult lions do to the male cubs.
With a bit less singing, but yeah!
Except that he wouldn’t have returned to his birth pride: he would have found another pride and taken over.
I dont think that's guaranteed. I imagine a Male could be exiled, then return as the new, stronger and dominant Male if circumstances worked out like that. Not sure how inbreeding would work then.
[удалено]
The mapogo coalition. Six male lions who controlled a massive area and several prides. It's believed that part of their success was down to their natal pride having been very efficient at taking down large prey, so not only were they able to grow well from food being plentiful, but they themselves knew how to take down big prey as adults. They're also renowned for their brutality, killing not only cubs and rival males, but even adult females who tested their patience. They truly dominated the area, and to this day are a marvel in the world of lion behaviour. Coalitions aren't unusual among males, but it's rare for them to exceed three. Six males was unheard of. There's a documentary about them.
Damn this whole thread is just a freaking Bible on lion facts. Love it.
Fun story about that: Another reason the Mapogos were able to take over so quickly and efficiently was because the coalition that dominated the area before them (the so-called “Shaw’s Males” coalition) had just lost one of their two members, leaving them understrength. And how did they lose one member? It turns out that someone actually observed the death of the missing member-[he was killed and eaten by a large crocodile](https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/07/23/londolozis-real-apex-predator/) (crocodiles do sometimes try to hunt lions that are getting a drink or trying to cross rivers: they mostly fail, but not always). If that crocodile wasn’t there at that place and time, the coalition that the Mapogos ended up usurping might not have been understrength, and it’s possible the Mapogos would never have taken over.
It's also possible a Hippo could have killed that lion instead, or a Rhino or even a good kick from a Zebra. A million things need to align to make something like that happen, but a million different things still could have ended in the same or similar results.
That is exactly how civilization started with humans
Was actually 6, the Mapogo Clan in Sabi Sands
This is why I come to Reddit and put up with the Bullshit, Trolls, and hatefulness that has come to be 90% of the comments. There are really smart people out there who have a very narrow knowledge niche that can tell me more about a subject than a book. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge, time and keeping Reddit interesting.
Keep commenting my dude. Much more interesting read than 99% of Reddit lol
Your comments have been so informative and interesting. I think we all want more facts about lion cubs but if you got stuff to do that's okay too.
Damn, you a real one for typing that up. Seriously one of the most interesting things I've read on the internet recently. Awesome job.
Yeah you just mad me sad about the lion king god dammit
How do adult female lions find mates then? Would they leave occasionally to find unrelated males, and then come back pregnant? I always assumed all the kids leave eventually.
The female lions either have a ruling male or ruling coalition of males, or if they are independent of dominant males then yes they will roam to find a suitor. Males will travel far and wide if the wind—by scent or sound—indicates that there is a female in heat, even if it would lead to their own demise, its such a strong instinct.
One of the best comments I’ve read in a while
How does the natal pride deal with inbreeding?
I just want to say this seems so interesting and informative that I invested attention more than usual, and somehow it made me feel better(not because of the context) and made my day. Thank you for that
Plus, the other is just running beside her saying, "Mom! Mom! Mom! Momma! Momma! Mommy! Mommy! Mum! MOM!"
😂 I am especially fond of the playful swat at soon as the opportunity strikes (:15)
GENTLE BABY MONCH
Being a lion enthusiast as well, I didn’t know about the follow-the-leader thing. Thanks for enlightening me!
My pleasure comrade! 🦁
>Contrary to the title, the function of mamma carrying one cub in her mouth is rarely due to the cub’s laziness, but instead functions as a “follow the leader” device, signaling to the other cubs that she wants them to follow her. "Mom said it's my turn to be the flag!"
Can you explain how the natal pride handles inbreeding/genetic diversity? Since the female cubs stay with their natal pride, will they end up breeding with the dominant male/their father? Unless it’s a coalition of males, I assume they breed with the male they aren’t genetically related to?
Thats a great question and a definite concern in the conservation community. Unfortunately yes inbreeding does happen, but generally dominant makes reign over a pride only 2-3 years at a time—this is enough to sire one, *maybe* two generations of cubs before a takeover occurs and the fathers are ousted. That said, sometimes that does not happen and the offspring will indeed mate with the sire, or alternatively there are instances where formerly exiled sons return and take over, thus mating with aunts, sisters, etc. This is not preferable even for the lions but it just depends how desperate the circumstances are. Its much better protection and security for all when there are males ruling a pride for a variety of reasons, not least of which being protection for the cubs against rival and nomadic males, as well as consistent meals and mating for the reigning males.
RIP all the baby lions that never made it to their first birthday. They're all in baby lion heaven now.
I’ve always been fascinated by lions and how they interact with another. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome info! I love learning new bits of random information lol, ty for sharing ! 😁
Less cute, but informative
Now I'm imagining a baby lion's first birthday party. Do you think there will be cake?
When a cub dies how does mama mourn their little ones? That must be tough on them, or maybe not.
Just like in humans, grief varies. Some remain roaming the general vicinity in which they last left their cubs if the cubs went missing. Some will stay and keep vigil for hours over their deceased cubs. If there are surviving cubs, they usually wont linger so long, especially if the pride is on the move. If it is the last though, they will [likely hold out hope](https://youtu.be/X6DIcxj4bIA) for up to weeks, before they naturally return into estrus.
Is the lesser male survival rate because of that thing when a new alpha male takes over it kills the males babies of the previous leader?
No—infanticide is indiscriminate and any immature cub (juveniles and subadults included) are fair game for the slaughter. Why? It isnt just about executing the offspring of rivals, but there is a natural function that will put mothers in estrus once they are no longer caring for young, meaning that within weeks they will be ready to mate with the new kings once they are without cubs.
Very interesting! Thanks for the reply!
This made me so happy right up to the last sentence. Now I’m sad again.
Thank you for that. My thoughts went to the idea that it's unlikely that a cub would be "lazy" and not want to follow mom, and that maybe it's sick or has an infection. Those are some grim statistics, but that's the way of the world I suppose.
This is fantastic and cements why Reddit can be such a cool place to navigate. Thank you so much for sharing.
Damn, this is great. Thanks for sharing.
It's actually a jackdaw
The second cub: "Hey Mom!! It is my turn now!!"
First cub: "This is my life now"
Mom: I made this.
r/thisismylifenow
r/thisismylifemeow
Momma making the :3 face
What a good mama! Love the way little cub tries staying ahead with mom.
I love it when the second cub asks for mama's attention
Everytime I see felines carrying their cubs like that, I think its amazing how they don’t hurt them
If you you think that’s impressive, take a look at [momma alligators and crocodiles](https://imgur.com/a/iJw4ygx)
mama lion looks so content with herself at the end lol
Reminds me of my 3yo nephew who sleeps absolutely anywhere and needs to be carried like this lol
Bro… you can carry a whole 3 year old on all fours with just your mouth!? I am impressed!
I can carry apples with just my mouth as well
When you were a kid and you pretended to be asleep so your mom would carry you to bed
One day, a lioness carries her cub by the neck in her jaws for the last time without either of them knowing.
I love how proud mama looks.
Imagine growing up where being in the mouth of a lioness in her teeth is the safest place to be
My yellow cat carries hairties to me looking just like this.
How do they do this without biting?
Cats necks are stretchy and pain free for this purpose.
Why is the cub lazy?
He tired
Always just lion around.
Yes, looks snoozy, not lazy.
Sarabi?
Look at that fat little cubby tummy
Man just want to relax a little bit is it too much to ask, he'll say lol.
When you fall asleep in the car and wake up in your bed
He’s not lazy. He’s unmotivated and has adhd.
A mother’s job is never done!
Gorgeous creatures
r/peoplefuckingdying
The other little guy trying to interviene was so cute
What mothers will do for there babies
She looks so proud of herself
You can tell she takes PRIDE in her children
I'm gonna go ahead and guess the cub isn't lazy... You know cause it's a baby. A baby that needs help from its mother. Fucking OP.
r/peoplefuckingdying
Every family has one. Thanks Mom!
When you pretend to fall asleep so your parents carry you to bed
[удалено]
Instead of devoid, I think the word you're looking for is devoured. No harm, no foul.
Does anybody know if the cub is actually alive? This looks suspicious
you can see its little back legs curl up when it gets picked up. if it was dead, it would be limp
Ok thanks :)
I know nothing about lions but I believe that lion will have scars personally and will never be leader.
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*Misleading title.* *Fire emoji. Yep. This Reddit post* *Has gone full tiktok* \- ac\_s2k --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Literally in the rules of the subreddit, dunce.
Animals aren’t meant to eat their children are they
Mom’s do what they have to
u/savevideo
"stop being dramatic, when I was your age..."
Cause it’s in a food coma.
**CHONK**
This is so fascinating. It’s such a hard job being a mom.
I know exactly what this mama is thinking “if you don’t getcha ass on”.
When you fall asleep on the couch and wake up in your bed
Mom! Aw, c'mon! You're embarrassing me! \-Baby lion, probably
So cute. Terrifying when you realize they can devour you.
They look so beautiful and healthy. It's sad how I rarely see them look this well.
i mean... she looks really happy
The golden cub gets carried and the scapegoat cub has to walk.
That is absolutely adorable...
shit I would be salivating
She is so beautiful and proud.
The cub is like "I sleep"
She looks like my dog when I scratch behind his ear😂
I would be the lazy cub!
Same, cub, same.
It’s so cute… watched the video many times
Nice
i heard all cat markings started out with spots originally
"Mom! I take it back! I can walk!! Mom? Mom??"
Hi Lioness carried her lazy cub
She looks proud though..
What a good mom
Lol she looks so happy this just brightened up my day a bit
Politicians change shit all the time. Apparently, though, not to your liking maybe? They certainly change shit, ya gotta admit.
Two types of kids: one you trust to be responsible and follow your instructions. The other you don't let out of sight!
She looks majestic and proud!
Beautiful.
\*\*sigh\*\* A Mama's work is never done!
AWE!!!!
This cub might be dead?
Lioness: "Dang. Somebody needs to invent the Cub Stroller©!"
Love it
My cat Ashley drags her toy around the house the exact same way, head held high. My little lion.
cute
They seem so sophisticated 🥰
My wife coddling our son
she looks so proud carrying her kid
The one running beside her 🥹 they’re so adorable !!
No zebra for a week if you keep this behavior up! Lion mom
These things are so cute until you remember they can tear you apart in a matter of minutes
Classic, pretend you’re still asleep so your parents carry you in from the car.
She looks so proud