The misfit lion was eventually accepted by a different pride after being ousted from its original group.
Lions are social animals that live in groups called prides. Typically, a pride consists of related females, their offspring, and a small number of adult males. Male lions often face challenges as they grow older, particularly when they reach maturity and begin to vie for dominance within the pride. In the case of the misfit lion, it likely encountered such a challenge and was forced out of its original pride, a common occurrence for young male lions.
Once ousted, a male lion must fend for itself. It may spend a period of time as a nomad, wandering alone or with other ousted males, often referred to as a coalition if they band together. During this time, the misfit lion would have to hunt and survive without the support of a pride. This period is fraught with danger, as the lion must avoid the territories of other established prides and human settlements.
Eventually, the misfit lion might attempt to take over another pride by challenging the resident males. This can be a risky endeavor, as fights for dominance can be fierce and sometimes fatal. However, if the misfit lion was successful in defeating the resident males, it would take over the pride, gaining access to the females and territory. Alternatively, the lion might find a pride with no resident males or a single aging male, making it easier to become the new dominant male.
In the end, the misfit lion’s acceptance into a new pride would mark the beginning of a new chapter in its life, where it would contribute to the genetic diversity of the pride and take on the role of protector and father to the next generation of lions.