When a lioness comes into heat, the male lion of her pride is in for an exhausting few days. 🦁
A mating pair can mate 20 to 40 times a day, roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, for four to seven days straight. Each time only lasts a few seconds, but it adds up fast.
Scientists think this nonstop mating helps trigger ovulation, because lionesses release eggs in response to mating rather than on a fixed schedule.
And if the male gets tired and loses interest, the lioness does not just wait. She may rub against him and nudge him first, then growl, snarl or swat at him until he gets back up.
Being king of the jungle is not as relaxing as it looks.
