Portrait of Honeymooning Lions

---

I came across these two lions in the Massai Mara while they were honeymooning. Lions, when mating, remove themselves from the rest of the pride. They mate constantly for between 7 and 10 days, and between 3 and 4 times an hour. Coupling lasts for a a matter of minutes. During all this time, the lions dont eat or sleep and the entire proceedings is affectionately known as a honeymoon period. This picture was taken while the lions were having a break from precreation.

---

Size: 5050px × 3360px
Location: Massai Mara, Kenya
Photo credit: © Pat McKillen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: africa, african, animal, carnivore, cat, east, female, honeymoon, honeymooning, kenya, leo, lion, lioness, lions, male, mammal, mara, massai, panthera, tender, tenderness, wildlife