African Lion Facts
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 of the Adoption 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 of the Adoption 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.
