Lions
Lions are large, powerfully built cats that roam the savannas and grasslands of the African continent. Lions are the second largest cat, next to tigers, with male lions typically reaching 350 to 500 pounds and female lions from 250 to 400 pounds. Their coats are yellow-gold, and adult males have shaggy manes that range in color from blond to reddish-brown to black.
The world’s most social feline, lions live in in complex social structures call prides. A pride consists of multiple related females and their dependent offspring along with two or three unrelated males. A typical pride has about 15 members, although some prides as large as 40 members have been observed. Female lions, sisters, live together for life. Female cubs stay with the pride, even after they’re grown, but male cubs must venture out on their own once they reach maturity.
Lions primarily eat large animals such as zebra and wildebeest. They also catch and eat a variety of smaller animals, from rodents to reptiles. Lions also steal kills from hyenas, leopards and other predators.
Lions once roamed most of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. Today they are found only in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, except for one very small population of Asian lions in India’s Gir Forest.
Lion usually live about 10-15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.
Did you know?
Lions are the only felines that live in groups.
A male lion’s roar can be heard from up to five miles away – the loudest roar of any big cat.
Without their coats, lion and tiger bodies are so similar that only experts can tell them apart.
Female lions do the hunting for a pride. However, the male lions are the first to eat when the female lion brings home the kill.
Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, England, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Singapore all regard the lion as their national symbol.
Head rubbing, or nuzzling, is a common greeting behavior for lions.
Male lions are the only big cat species with manes.
Baby lions may be referred to as cubs, whelps, or lionets.
The tail of all lions ends in a dark, hairy tuft.
Meet Our Lions
Chobe
Kariba