Lion’s mane

Isn’t this big male Lion’s mane fabulous?

Lionesses prefer male Lions which have a dark bushy main. It’s a sign of fitness, of higher testosterone, of the ability to fight off competition, and the ability to protect their cubs. It may also act as armour to stop other male Lions biting their necks.

Whatever the precise evolutionary reason, what’s certain is that male Lions with impressive manes have been more successful in having cubs which have inherited their genes for manes.

Lion - Kenya Safari - The Hall of Einar- photograph © David Bailey (not the)

What a privilege to be so close to a wild male Lion, especially one with such an impressive mane.

More adventures on safari in Kenya

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Rufous-Bellied Heron - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) Kenya has many species of Heron Here's a Rufous-Bellied Heron. It's one of the many species of Heron in the wetlands here. It has a beautiful… read more
African Green Pigeon - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) African Green Pigeon There's an African green pigeon, Treron calvus, at the top of this tree. I can hardly believe its colour. What a… read more
Long-Crested Eagle - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) The Long-Crested Eagle awaits us I'm glad that I've learned never to turn my camera off or to put my lens hood on until I'm… read more
Lilac-Breasted Rollers - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) A Lilac-Breasted Roller perched and waiting Lilac-Breasted Rollers are chunky birds. They also have unusually large heads. I particularly like the long tail streamers which the… read more
Saddle-Billed Stork - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) A Saddle-Billed Stork and its dangling wattles The Saddle-Billed Stork or Saddlebill, Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, is a truly huge bird. It's 4' 9" to 4' 11" tall. That's taller than my… read more
Yellow-Throated Longclaw - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) A Yellow-Throated Longclaw There are many yellow birds here in Kenya. It's a brighter world. Red, orange and yellow pigments are ones which… read more
Zebra - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) A fluffy young Zebra Seeing Zebras at a watering hole in the Masai Mara is a pleasure. It's dry work munching the parched vegetation… read more
African Striped Skink - The Hall of Einar - photograph © David Bailey (not the) A Striped Skink I expected to see many more reptiles in Africa. I thought there would be snakes and reptiles with four legs… read more
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