Thor is sure he would have managed -- but this way is rather easier and more dignified, yes.

Outside, his head lifts a little, and his whiskers prick forward. Having a lion's sense of smell out here is really interesting.

(Also there are big herbivores over thataway. Thor isn't hungry, and he's not going to listen to the lioness body's instincts that much, but all the same he picks a direction that's away from the horse pastures. Easier for everybody that way.)