Relief that Cecil the lion's cubs would be protected by their uncle Jericho was short-lived when one of the eight offspring was killed by another lion recently.
According to The Daily Mail, Jericho, who became the pride leader at the death of the 13-year-old feline, apparently abandoned the pride. Now, sole male lions are said to be lurking around the three lionesses and now seven cubs left behind.
The said lion allegedly killed Cecil the lion's cub as he attempted to mate with its mother. It is reportedly common for a new lion taking over a pride to kill the children of the former leader.
With this news, the remaining cubs are feared to have only days left, as they are left with no protector.
Last week, David MacDonald, research leader of the Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Unit, already predicted a "cascade of other deaths" following the famous feline's death.
"The natural law in lion society is that when a male dies and his weakened coalition is usurped, the new incoming males kill their predecessors' cubs," MacDonald, reportedly told The Daily Mail.
He added that he was "saddened" by the "illegal" and "completely reprehensible" killing of the beloved big cat.
"But I hope that some good might come out of it in terms of raising the profile of lion conservation around the world," he continued.
Cecil the lion was slaughtered last month by Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer, who reportedly paid about $50,000 to hunt big game in Zimbabwe. His local guide then lured the big cat out of Hwange National Park's protected area. He was then shot, skinned, and beheaded.
His death has since sparked outrage from conservationists and celebrities alike, condemning the killing and trophy hunting in general.
Jimmy Fallon even choked up on national television as he called for donations to the WildCRU, which brought in thousands of dollars for the research program.
It isn't just researchers and conservationists who want to keep Cecil the lion's cubs alive, The Mirror reported that the three lionesses in the pride are trying to protect them but their strength eventually be no match for the bigger male lions' strengths.
