lion pride rubbed heads

[Patty]

During this afternoon's drive, I noticed the Kuhumas adults did sort of a head butt or rub, is that their way of saying hello or showing affection?

[Patty]

I posted a picture of this above this discussion...Patty

[Kirsty]

Hi Patty,
Head rubbing is indeed a way of greeting. It's probably the most common gesture along with social licking and has been been compared with grooming in primates. It is also a way of reaffirming bonds between pride members.
Nuzzling of the head, face and neck against another lion is often seen after an animal has been apart from others, or been involved in some fighting or confrontation. Males tend to rub other males, while cubs and females rub females.
Their tails will generally be looped in the air and they will often moan as they make contact which is all part of the reassurance.
Social licking often takes place with head rubbing. It is generally mutual and the recipient appears to enjoy the contact. The head and neck are the most common parts of the body licked, which is probably because lions cannot reach these places themselves.
Hope this helps. :-)

[Patty]

Thanks so much LionLover. I watched the brief interaction between the 2 of them and it was so touching. I enjoyed watching these 2 big girls nuzzling.

[eiguoc]

I've been trying to find inffo on the lonely Sandy Patch female as to why she is alone. I haven't had much luck. I can't e-mail the question because I'm not able to watch the fireside chat. I did find something by Wile 1 but it wasn't enough. as to why she is alone. So if someone knows could you let me know. I'll be checking this thread daily

[Patty]

Hi eiguoc,
I googled Sandy Patch lioness and found some information. Unfortunately, I became a WE member shortly before you so I really don't know what happened to the Sandy Patch pride.

Here is an article from the the Drum Beet from Djuma, hope this helps a little:
http://www.djuma.co.za/drumbeat0107.php#vuyatela

[eiguoc]

Thanks Patty that helped a lot. I'll include post the link for them

[Timbo]

Yeah... It a greeting ceremony... Also helps to strengthen bonds between family members

[Timbo]

eiguoc said:

Thanks Patty that helped a lot. I'll include post the link for them

Hey... The sandypatch used to be a smallish pride but there numbers have slowly diminshed and so there are now the one left... there was one that was killed by the kahumas sometime last year