February, the month of love, isn’t just a time to celebrate romance, it’s also a chance to marvel at the extraordinary ways love unfolds in the wild. While humans express affection through grand gestures on Valentine’s Day, the animal kingdom has its own captivating and often breathtaking courtship rituals. From elaborate dances to tender bonding moments and fierce battles for a mate, these displays of wild romance prove that love, no matter the species, always finds a way.
Lions
Lions do not have specific mating calls; instead, it is the female who initiates the process. Males can detect when a female is in ovulation by analysing hormone levels in her urine using a behaviour known as the flehmen grimace. When ready to mate, the female leaves scent markings by rubbing against trees, signalling her availability. The chosen pair will then separate from the pride and engage in mating over the course of three to four days. To protect future cubs from being harmed, the female often mates with multiple males within a coalition. She uses physical cues to encourage mating, such as wrapping her tail around the male’s neck, brushing against him, and finally lying down on her stomach.
Lilac-Breasted Roller
The lilac-breasted roller, has a courtship ritual as captivating as its plumage. Mating begins with an elaborate aerial display, where the male soars high into the sky before diving downward in a series of dramatic twists and rolls. As he descends, he emits harsh, rattling calls to capture the female’s attention. If she is impressed, the pair engages in a bonding ritual that includes mutual preening and food offerings, with the male presenting small insects as a gesture of commitment. Once a bond is formed, the duo builds a nest together in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, reinforcing their partnership before the breeding season begins.
Elephants
Elephant courtship is not rushed. Males enter a heightened reproductive state called musth, where their testosterone levels surge, making them more dominant and eager to mate. Meanwhile, females signal their readiness through scent cues and vocalisations, drawing in competing males. The strongest male earns the right to court her, engaging in gentle yet persistent interactions, including trunk entwining and affectionate nudges. This courtship can last for days, building trust before mating occurs. Once bonded, the pair separates, but the male may stay nearby for a while to guard his mate from rivals. The female then embarks on an extraordinary 22-month pregnancy, the longest of any land animal.
Wild Dogs
African wild dogs are very social animals, so they always stick together. Unlike many other predators, only the dominant alpha pair mates, ensuring the stability of the pack. Their courtship is subtle yet intimate, with the alpha male and female engaging in playful chases, affectionate nuzzling, and quiet vocal exchanges to strengthen their bond. Once pregnant, the alpha female becomes the heart of the pack, receiving food and protection from her pack mates as she prepares to give birth.
As we celebrate love this February, we can take inspiration from nature’s own love stories, proof that no matter the species, the pursuit of companionship is truly universal.
