When Lions Grimace

In the Reserve we sometimes observe behaviour that needs some closer examination. Like what happened recently to these co-owners when they were following two male lions. These two big males had just come out of thick bush, were wandering inquisitively towards a waterhole, but didn’t seem to find what they were looking for. Continuing their journey they suddenly stopped at a bush and bared their teeth in what looked like a grimace. What was that?
When you spot a lion pulling what looks like a grimace, there’s more going on than meets the eye. This gesture, called ‘Flehmen’, is the lion’s way of gathering crucial information about its environment. By curling its lips and inhaling through its mouth, the lion allows pheromones and other scents to reach a special organ at the base of its nasal cavity, known as the ‘Jacobson’s organ’.

This organ plays a vital role for many animals, from lions to domestic cats. It’s not just about smell—it’s about detecting key chemical signals, especially pheromones. Male lions use Flehmen to determine the reproductive status of a female by analysing the chemical composition of her urine. In this way, the Jacobson’s organ helps them decide if it’s the right time to pursue a potential mate.

Interestingly, it’s not only adult lions that rely on this remarkable organ. Newborn kittens also use it to find their mother’s milk source, enhancing their sense of smell and improving their chances of survival in those critical early days of life.

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