Watch Two Lions Fight Over The Mating Rights For a Lioness

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Written by Hannah Crawford

Updated: November 10, 2023

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Two male lions fighting
© Elagina/Shutterstock.com

When we hear the phrase “blood is thicker than water,” we automatically know that it is referring to the family bloodline. It means that no matter what life might throw our way, we know that we can stick with our blood. Well, from life experiences, we know that is not very accurate. And in many cases, people that are not our blood we can have stronger relationships with than our own family. 

The same can be said in the animal kingdom. Sometimes, families can be very dysfunctional in the wild and fight for any number of reasons. Families that are born from the same mother don’t always live their lives with each other. And the ones that do don’t always get along. One main source of contention in the lives of lions is their desire to assert their dominance where mating rights are concerned. 

Lion Mating Sighting at Kruger National Park

The next YouTube video taken below takes us to the Kruger National Park, which is located in South Africa. The Maasai Sightings YouTube page is sharing this captured footage below, which has since gathered more than 233,000 views in just a few days since it was uploaded online. They share their experience with the description of the video below. 

“Even though male lions are brothers, they will need to establish who is the dominant male when it comes to mating rights to the females. Dominance in male lions start from a young age and coalitions can either be brothers or non-related males that join up during their nomadic stage, which is from about 3-5 year of age.”

Is It Normal Behavior for Lions to Fight Females?

Lion pride dynamics can be complex, reflecting a delicate balance between cooperation and dominance. A typical pride comprises around six related females and their dependent offspring.

While male lions are notorious for their aggression and territorial behavior, they generally avoid confrontations with female lions, recognizing their crucial role in the pride’s survival.

In fact, male and female lions often cooperate seamlessly, joining forces to protect their territory and pride from potential threats posed by rival lions or other predators.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that in extreme cases of male frustration and exertion of dominance, lions may resort to unsettling behaviors, including the tragic act of killing lionesses that refuse to mate with them.

A Fight for Dominance Over a Lioness

Lions mating deep in the jungle

A lioness can have up to six cubs at a time.

©LYNCHPIN254/Shutterstock.com

As the video starts, we see a male lion that is in the process of mating with a lioness. Suddenly, another male lion, who just so happens to be the other lion’s brother, comes rushing in. The lioness jumps up, and we see the male lion wince what looks to be in pain from her jumping up so quickly. In no time at all, both lions clash with each other and start fighting with one another for the right to mate with this lioness. 

How Do Lions Select a Partner

Lions in Love. A lion and a lioness cuddle.

The male lion is larger, but the female lions in a pride are the hunters.

©Wicker Imaging/Shutterstock.com

Selecting a partner in the wild has to do with when the female is fertile and ready to mate. For lions, the lioness will let a male lion know when she is ready to mate by situating her body in a stance called “lordosis.” This will, in essence, give that male the invitation to come in and mate with the lioness. 


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About the Author

Hannah Crawford is a writer at A-Z Animals where she focuses on reptiles, mammals, and locations in Africa. Hannah has been researching and writing about animals and various countries for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication\Performance Studies from Pensacola Christian College, which she earned in 2015. Hannah is a resident in Florida, and enjoys theatre, poetry, and growing her fish tank.

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