We can study their behavior. By observing how they hunt, interact with other lions in their pride, and raise their cubs, we can learn a great deal about their nature.
Examining their physical features also gives us clues. For instance, their sharp claws and powerful jaws are adaptations for hunting, which tells us they are apex predators. Their thick manes in male lions might be related to attracting mates or showing dominance within the pride. Additionally, analyzing their DNA can reveal genetic traits that are linked to their behavior and nature, such as aggression levels or social tendencies. All these methods combined can help us understand the real nature of lions even if they can't tell their own story.
We can learn about their nature from the ecological context they are in. Lions live in a complex ecosystem where they are both hunters and part of the food web. The fact that they are at the top of the food chain means they have a certain role in controlling the populations of other animals. Their territorial behavior, for example, shows that they are protective of their resources. Also, the way they adapt to changes in prey availability or environmental conditions, like droughts, can tell us about their resilience and survival instincts, which are important aspects of their nature.