Lions Pretend to Be Hurt to Teach Their Cubs Confidence and Skill Lions are not just fierce predators — they’re also remarkably patient and clever parents. In a fascinating display of play-based teaching, adult lions have been observed pretending to be hurt when their cubs bite or wrestle them. These exaggerated reactions aren’t simply adorable — they serve an important purpose. By feigning injury, adult lions help build their cubs’ confidence. The young lions, believing their play fighting is e