Made with Xara Web Designer If you are interested in acquiring this painting or would like further information please contact me Of all Africa’s wildlife, none has captured human imagination more than the Lion.  It is Africa’s largest, fiercest and most formidable predator.  When you are within a few feet of a wild Lion it reminds the observer of their own insignificance yet, for all this power and intimidation, they have a gentler side.  They live within a pride that is strongly centred around the females and the young. Sociability is perhaps the single most exciting facet of life as a Lion.  That great symbol, the imposing male, is a major influence within the pride.  Even this magnificent beast’s chances of survival as a loner are slim, it is not helped by it’s all too visible mane that alerts other animals.  Survival is much easier as part of a pride that hunts as a cohesive unit. The females are the heart of a pride of Lions.  The pride usually comprises about five or six adult females, a few males, and a number of cubs, although a large pride can number 40 individuals. None of the other big cat species worldwide have a pride structure so lions are unique in that respect. Social bonds are reinforced between members with vocalizations, cheek rubbing and grooming which helps foster peaceful relations between members. When resting, Lion socialization occurs through a number of behaviors, and the animal's expressive movements are highly developed. The most common peaceful tactile gestures are head rubbing and social licking, which have been compared with grooming in primates. Head rubbing—nuzzling the forehead, face and neck against another lion appears to be a form of greeting, as it is seen often after an animal has been apart from others, or after a confrontation. Father Figure Link to Us Privacy Photo Gallery Guestbook 18"x12” -  46x30cm Acrylic on Canvas All content and artwork copyright to Stephen Gayford and may not be reproduced without permission © 2007 - 2011