Grinning lioness pictured embracing her friend at reserve

Come on, give us a hug!

• Smiling big cat pictured at the Moremi game reserve in Botswana
• Both lionesses are around three years old and from the same pride
• Heart-warming picture taken by photographer Mark Smith

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED:  18 December 2013
 
We all know Tiggers bounce but it seems lions do too. This grinning lioness warmly embraces her best friend by wrapping her front legs around her body. It’s almost as if her pal says something in her ear which causes the lioness to jump for joy onto her friend.

All smiles: This grinning lioness was pictured leaping and hugging her friend at the Moremi game reserve in Botswana

Sadly, the other lion isn’t expecting the the hug and recoils, choosing to lie low to the ground and glare at the eager lioness, who moves away slowly. The lions were reinforcing their social status by bonding in the late afternoon sun after resting through 40 degree heat during the day.

The lionesses, which are around three years old, are from a pride which roam around the Moremi game reserve in Botswana. According to photographer Mark Smith, 31, the lions like to show who their friends are to make a statement amongst the group.

Whisper: It's almost as if her pal says something in her ear which causes the lioness to jump for joy onto her friend

Heated: The lions were reinforcing their social status by bonding in the late afternoon sun after resting through 40 degree heat during the day

Snapped: The lions were captured on camera by photographer Mark Smith

Mr Smith, a wildlife photographer from London, said: 'It’s almost like the lion version of shaking hands and giving each other a hug. 'I have three dogs at home and if you separate any of them for more than a say half an hour then the greetings can be quite similar and boisterous.

'The bond is important because they raise and protect their cubs as a collective as well as hunt that way. 'In fact, the social status generally defines who’s boss. The most high ranking female will be “sucked up” to by all the other females in the pride.

Bonding: Mr Smith said the lions' embrace was almost like the big cat version of shaking hands

Friendly: The bond between the lions is important because they raise and protect their cubs as a collective

'The lions on the floor are hugging and head rubbing, which is often seen by people who have domestic cats where the cat is communicating in a sensory manner.' He added: 'The wrestling is a more playful version of this - there is no aggression at all and the claws are clearly retracted.

'Having strong bonds benefits the individual lions by making sure the pride is stronger.
'That in turn means the cubs are safer from other lions or predators as they all work together, becoming ultimately more successful.'

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