Lions enjoying a drink at a waterhole. It was dark when this lioness was drinking at the waterhole at Kavinga Safari Lodge, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. She was then joined by a second lioness and they enjoyed a drink together. As a male lion arrived one of the females beat a hasty retreat. The male was exhibiting a pronounced Flehmen reaction, where he curls back his upper lip and inhales deeply, This allows the lion to draw scents into the vomeronasal organ which can process scents, including pheromones, providing key information about the females reproductive status. He then sniffed at the rear of the remaining female. Two signs that he was ready to mate with her. They drank together before heading off into the night.
These lions were certainly well fed after yesterday having taken down a Cape Buffalo. Bats were also visiting the waterhole along with a number of insects. A very impressive encounter being up close and personal with this group of lions enjoying a drink at a waterhole