Five adult lionesses drinking (1st of 6 Image). Standing behind them is a young male showing 'flehmen' (2-1/2yrs.). A common behavior of both sexes--and many other species--to detect age & sexual maturity of another of the same species, or by a male to detect a female's reproductive readiness. It is characterized by an open mouth, retracted upper lip, & uplifted head. The young male is showing flehmen, because one of the females is coming into season. One of these 5 lionesses is his mother--the other four, his aunts--but all will reject his approaches. (See next Image). [Chobe NP, Botswana].
The young male approaches one of the lionesses who immediately rejects him (2nd of 6 Images). Although there's a considerable difference in size, she (possibly, his actual mother) is telling him to 'bug off'! He will respect her command! The breeding rights belong to the black-maned fellow who can be seen in the next 2 images. He is at the age when young males are driven out of the pride, to make it on their own. [Chobe NP, Botswana].
The alpha-male sitting (3rd of 6 images): A beautiful specimen of a young, fully mature male--and a nice reflection! [Chobe NP, Botswana].
