Aby-a-Day – 4 Mars: Lions at the Borås Djurpark (Thursday Things)

Continuing last week’s post about the Lionesses, I’m sharing more of the big cat photos I took at Borås Djurparken. This week it’s the Lion.

Isn’t he handsome?

I’ve always been fascinated with Lions’ manes. No other male cats have them; I mean, sure, tomcats have jowls and other cats have heavier neck fur, but no other cats have the manes Lions do.

Have you ever wondered why that is?

Since Lions are the only cats that live in large groups, they are also the cats that fight each other the most often. The Lions’ manes evolved to protect their throats, so when the males fight, it’s not as easy for them to land a fatal bite on each other. Also, the size and colour of the mane conveys strength to rivals and health and virility to the females.

Although this guy doesn’t look like much of a fighter. He looks more like Izaak when he’s snuggled up sleeping next to Dashiell or Alfred.