The graceful lion bends down on its forelimbs, its rear high. He does a small bob to convey something to the little cub standing in front of him. And everything is crystal clear.

The message that is passed on from the adult to the cub is simple: whatever is about to follow is all play and no ill-will is intended. Such movements — implying aggression and anger — are important in the animal world.

Though everything about the players seem to be pretty ferocious much like that of the warring animals, the bites and nips are only half hearted and no blood is drawn.

Meanwhile, in course of all this shadow practice, the young cub learns the techniques of coordination and war skills, while gradually building up its strength.