Lion Drinking Water at a Pool

About this drawing

A lion drinking water may look relaxed, but that quiet stop at the shoreline says a lot about how the species survives in dry country. It laps quickly, much like a house cat, and after a big meal it can stay at the water's edge for several minutes.

Oddly enough, water isn't as urgent for a lion as it is for many other animals. When a river or pool is close by, lions drink regularly, yet they can go several days without a sip. Much of the moisture they need comes from the blood and meat of their prey. That's part of what allows them to live in harsh places like the Kalahari, where surface water can be hard to find for much of the year.

On the African savanna, a waterhole is also a kind of hunting ground. As the dry season wears on, rivers shrink and pools disappear, which forces zebras, wildebeest and antelope to crowd around whatever is left. Lions take advantage of this and use nearby cover to lie in wait. For a thirsty grazer, walking down to drink is one of the riskiest moments of the day.

You can see that tension whenever a herd arrives. Animals hesitate, lift their heads and listen before they lower their necks. Lions have far less to worry about. Pride members often drink side by side, then wander off together to find some shade.

• lion
• waterhole
• reflection
• savanna
• african wildlife