A small lion is still a lion.

What it means

A small or young lion is still fully a lion. Don't dismiss anyone's worth or potential just because they haven't reached full size yet.

Sesotho · Southern Africa

Source and context

From: Sesotho, Southern Africa

Source: Sesotho (Lesotho) oral-tradition proverb, documented in Sesotho proverb collections (e.g. Lesotho NewsDesk) — small lion entry

The meaning given here is our own reading. Other interpretations exist.