How to Read Lion Expressions

                         
These lions, all being cuddled, display an open-mouthed response similar to saying "Aww!"

                         
These male lions display a grin.  Both of them have a very good reason to smile, as you might guess.  Note the lioness in the left photo is returning his gesture with an open-mouthed response.

                         
This is called "Flehmen."  Not a "yuck," it's a reaction to strange smells that lions of both sexes show, allowing the Jacobson's organ in the roof of the mouth to "taste" smells.  Not even Einstein had a jacobson's organ...humans don't engage in flehmen.

                         
The lioness on the left is giving you an intent look that could signal any sort of approach, from stalking prey to preparing for a play.  In the center is a typical calm face.

                         
No doubt about it, the look says "Buzz off!"  The male to the left is more confident...his ears remain forward.  Hers go back...she is defensive.    Humans, like lions, make a bite face, though they don't move their ears.

                         
The male to the left is yawning.  The male in the center is roaring.  The tongue does not stick out while roaring.   Humans don't stick their tongue out to yawn or roar...

                         
These lions are both cringing.  Unlike the growl, it is done with eyes shut.  It's a reaction similar to what you might do if someone sneaked up and grabbed you from behind.  This man was just grabbed by the tax auditor.