Lion around

by Darren

It can’t be an easy life being a lion in the Masai Mara. Yes, during migration there’s always a handy supply of food just wandering past – and you don’t even have to get dinner in as the little ladies will take care of the hunting and yet you demand to eat first. And there’s the fact that you have no natural predators (except the pesky humans of course) so as long as you keep on the right side of the pride boss you’re ok. And the position of King of Beasts isn’t too bad for the ego – after all no-one’s ever made a film called The Mongoose King have they?

Life is still remarkably tough. You will get on the wrong side of a the dominant male, or try to take over, or have your pride stolen. Then it’s a violent fight to the death. And humans do like to hunt you – apparently the maned head looks great on the study wall. Talking of humans – they like to capture you and put you in cramped little cages in places called zoos. And as for the mating season – grumpy woman, up to 40 times a day with no food. For at least a week. Not as much fun as you’d think.

But the worst thing about being a lion, the absolute worst, is the annoying little flies and ticks that think it’s ok to land on your nose and crawl around your face. No fly swat to get rid of them either. Being a lion is tough.