How many times can a lion mate in one day?

During the mating season, lions can mate anywhere from 20 to 40 times in a day for several days straight. Male lions will check whether the lionesses are in heat by sniffing their reproductive organs.

At times, lionesses may sneak out of their pride in order to mate with lions that may be outside of their pride. The new male will believe that he is the leader of the new pride and will fight the original leader. Using this method, the lionesses will always end up with the healthier and stronger male lions.

After mating, lionesses do not conceive until 3 months after.