4. Task 13.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What does visiting a new city allow you to do?
6. Task 12.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What does a cultural experience during summer break involve?
7. Task 14.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What do many people reflect on as the summer sun sets?
10. Task 17.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What holds a special place in our hearts, according to the text?
11. Task 02.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
It is evident how the lioness decided to nurse the baby leopard.
13. Task 04.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
The lioness was thought to be suffering loss when she found the leopard cub.
14. Task 10.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What is mentioned as a classic choice for a more active vacation?
15. Task 03.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
Her baby cats would have been older than the baby leopard.
16. Task 15.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What is a popular summer activity mentioned in the text?
17. Task 08.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
Now, let's test your understanding of the text:
What is the main focus of the text?
20. Task 07.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
The baby leopard will act like a lion when it becomes an adult.
21. Task 01.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
Researchers have proven that wild cats adopt animals of different species.
22. Task 05.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
What is certain is that the baby leopard will survive.
24. Task 16.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What adds to the sense of adventure and discovery during road trips?
The freedom of time
The freedom of the open road
25. Task 09.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What makes spending time at the beach a perfect day, according to the text?
29. Task 11.
Read the following text and then answer the question:
The Joys of Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is a time eagerly awaited by students and families alike. It is a period of relaxation, adventure,
and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it's a beach getaway, a road trip, or exploring a new city, the possibilities are endless.
One popular summer activity is spending time at the beach. The sound of waves, the warmth of the sun,
and the feel of sand between your toes make for a perfect day. Many families choose seaside destinations for their summer vacations,
engaging in water sports, building sandcastles, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
For those who prefer a more active vacation, road trips are a classic choice.
Embarking on a journey by car allows you to explore various landscapes, visit new places, and create a playlist of memorable road trip tunes.
The freedom of the open road adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
On the other hand, some people opt for a cultural experience during their summer break.
Exploring museums, historical sites, and trying local cuisines can provide a rich and educational experience.
Visiting a new city allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
As the summer sun sets, many reflect on the experiences and moments that made their vacation special.
Whether it's the taste of ice cream on a hot day, the laughter of friends around a bonfire, or the breathtaking views from a mountaintop,
summer vacation holds a special place in our hearts.
What does embarking on a journey by car allow you to do?
30. Task 06.
Truly unique
Read the text about an unusual type of animal behaviour.
Decide if the statements is true or false, then choose the first four words of the sentence
which supports your decision in the space provided.
No wild cat has ever been observed nursing a cub from another species - the event may be the result of the Tanzanian lioness having lost her own litter.
A lioness has been spotted nursing a tiny leopard cub in Tanzania, the first time a wild cat is known to have adopted a cub from another species.
The five-year-old lioness, called Nosikitok, is closely monitored by conservationists in the Ngorongoro conservation area and is known to have had a litter of her own in mid to late June.
How she came to adopt the leopard cub, thought to be three weeks old, is not known. But Luke Hunter, president of big cat conservation group Panthera, said her recent births are a critical factor: "She is physiologically primed to take care of baby cats, and the little leopard fits the bill - it is almost exactly the age of her own cubs and physically very similar to them.
"She would not be nursing the cub if she wasn't already awash with a ferocious maternal drive.
Even so, there has never been another case like it, and why it has occurred now is mystifying.
This is a truly unique case. It is quite possible she has lost her own cubs, and found the leopard cub in her bereaved state when she would be particularly vulnerable".
The unique spectacle was captured on camera on Tuesday by a guest at the Ndutu Lodge in Tanzania's Ngorongoro conservation area. But the cub faces an uncertain future, even if the lioness continues to nurse it. "It is very unlikely that the lionesss pride will accept it", Hunter said. "Lions have very rich, complicated social relationships in which they recognise individuals - by sight and by roars - and so they are very well equipped to distinguish their cubs from others. If the rest of the pride finds the cub, it is likely it would be killed."
However, if the cub manages to survive for 12-18 months and reaches adulthood, it is likely to revert to leopard behaviour, Hunter said: "Even its early exposure to lion society would not override the millions of years of evolution that has equipped the leopard to be a supreme solitary hunter. I am sure it would go its own way."
The lions’ social structure is very different from that of leopards.
