Science fact of the day: Lions can’t roar when they’re born

Lions are not born with the ability to roar, rather, they develop it as they grow.

Male lions are able to roar when they are around one year old, and female lions typically develop the ability a few months later.

Roaring is one form of communication that lions use to identify themselves, strengthen the bond of the pride, and let other lions know about the pride’s domain.

Other sounds they use to communicate include growls, snarls, hisses, meows, grunts, and puffs (which are used in friendly situations and sound a little like a stifled sneeze!).