Not based on true events

 What else could that tickled lion do but laugh, and fall helplessly to the ground with a roaring guffaw. This is why the lioness had to put two paws over her grinning features, but could she have contained herself for one second more? Yes, only for one second, before she tumbled about like the others in a wave of merriment. Her companion looked upon her aghast as giggles began to ripple through the pride. Then she looked all about at the strained faces, and commented quite coolly “Isn’t laughter supposed to be contagious?” And I am afraid that all restraint left every lion in the funeral and they turned into topsy-turvy, hollering hyenas. I am afraid some villagers heard the ruckus from afar, and thought that the world was ending, for the lions had gone mad! Everything concerning the funeral was completely forgotten, every tear was dried, every long face shortened,  and every frown now stood on its head. That is, until another voice rose in laughter, and every lion froze on the spot and turned towards it in amazement, for who was it but the very lioness they had thought was dead. There she stood, grinning away,and all because of that raving, rolling, laughing, stamping lunatic of a spotted hyena called Phil.

Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta

Despite their rather canine appearance, Hyenas are actually more closely related to cats. This specific hyena, the Spotted Hyena, is the largest of its kind, growing to a length of 4 feet. Therefore it can hunt as well as scavenge. Females are larger than males, and are the heads of the hyena hierarchy. One clan occupies its own den, and they all take part in defending the territory around it, using sounds and calls and patrolling to do so. Finally, the commonly known hyena’s laugh is really not a laugh at all but is, in fact, a sign of submission to a dominant clan member.

Lion
Panthera leo

Many are aware of the existence of prides in lion life, but few are aware, I believe, that there is another type of gathering called a coalition. What, indeed, is the difference between the two? Well, to begin with, prides are usually composed mostly of females and their cubs,while coalitions are made of adult males. These hold  and defend a territory with prides within it and holds breeding rights over them. The coalitions, though, do not last any more than a few years, while prides are permanent.