AFRICAN LION
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Nala grew up besides two male tiger cubs, Zorro and Tigger with a story not unfamiliar to those of us at Cat Tales. They had originally been acquired by their past owners as a photo opportunity for local fairs. Due to the lack of space for three rapidly growing cubs, their owners contacted us about this 'hole in the wall gang' for adoption. We were ready to take them in - but the weather wasn't. Snowstorms, road closures, and heavy rains delayed our travel to Oregon for some days.
Once the roads opened, we braved the weather and traveled up to meet these cubs. Originally the owners were only willing to let the tiger cubs go with us - Nala was to remain behind in Oregon. But the moment we harnessed the tiger boys up to go for a walk so we could learn about their personalities, she began to cry out sadly for her friends. The owners knew that this was a sign of what was best for her, and despite previous intentions, allowed us to take Nala home. After this began a fun experience of training her to be collar led, and watching her personality blossom first with her gang, and then without them after she was moved to a new enclosure once becoming of age. Nowadays she has become a clear Queen of her pride - even though the pride in question is just made up of tigers. Because of this we feed Nala first, who eats and then keeps a watchful eye as we make sure the rest of her pride gets their meals as well. |
AFRICAN LION
Royal in appearance and stature, the African lion is infamous internationally for both their beauty, as well as being staples of fascination regarding the many species of big cats. They are enormous, with body lengths of 170 to 250 cm (5 ft 7 in to 8 ft 2 in) and tail lengths of 90 to 1o5 cm (2 ft 11 in to 3 ft 5 in). Their average weight can be anywhere from 120 to 250 kg (265 to 550 lbs), with the male lion traditionally growing larger and weighing more than a female. What makes Lions so distinctive is their mane, enormous thick fur around the male's head. Research tells us that males with darker manes are healthier, and in mating season a lioness will look for a mate with a very dark, long mane. Though rare, some female lions are capable of growing manes, most notably seen in the wild.
Lions are fascinating for their instinctive nature to live in prides, being the only cat to do so. Prides consist of family units with up to three men, twelve women, and the cubs of each female. Traditionally the female cubs will stay with the pride as they age, where the male cubs will leave to create their own pride or join another once reaching maturity. Where the male lion will most often defend territory through urine, roaring, and chasing down those who ignore the earlier signs, they do not often hunt. Traditionally lionesses will hunt for the entire pride in small packs. These teams of hunters allow them to take down large prey by encircling and overwhelming - most notably antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests. Lions are also known to scavenge up to 50% of their food, most often by stealing freshly killed prey from hyenas and wild dogs.
If you would like to adopt one of our lions, the cost is currently $100.00 US dollars monthly. This money takes care of any veterinary check ups, habitat enrichment and feeding - all the things a happy lion needs.
Lions are fascinating for their instinctive nature to live in prides, being the only cat to do so. Prides consist of family units with up to three men, twelve women, and the cubs of each female. Traditionally the female cubs will stay with the pride as they age, where the male cubs will leave to create their own pride or join another once reaching maturity. Where the male lion will most often defend territory through urine, roaring, and chasing down those who ignore the earlier signs, they do not often hunt. Traditionally lionesses will hunt for the entire pride in small packs. These teams of hunters allow them to take down large prey by encircling and overwhelming - most notably antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests. Lions are also known to scavenge up to 50% of their food, most often by stealing freshly killed prey from hyenas and wild dogs.
If you would like to adopt one of our lions, the cost is currently $100.00 US dollars monthly. This money takes care of any veterinary check ups, habitat enrichment and feeding - all the things a happy lion needs.