A question I was asked in a Wildlife Park?

Question

I work at Dartmoor Zoological Park and have recently been working on public talks. During one on African Lions I was asked a question about the facial experssions of lions and what they mean (such as nodding the head or sticking out the tongue) I wasn't sure how to answer this and a Google search got me nothing. Does anyone have any answers?

Answer 1

All I can suggest is getting a copy of "Expression of the Emotions in Animals and Man" by Charles Darwin. I trust you've heard of him ;-)

Answer 2

when they l**k their lips, get away.

Answer 3

Lions and other cats stick out their tongue when they pick up the scent of another cat usually by smelling urine or pheromones..this is called "flehmen". They will sometimes leave their tongue out after they are don "smelling".  This might be why the lion had it's tongue out.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...

http://www.metpet.com/Reference/Cats/Beh...

Answer 4

First off shouldn't you be sort of an expert? My advice is do a study, try and figure it out yourself. As for an answer sadly I have none.

Answer 5

Ask a co-worker, or your boss, they should know where to get the info.