Cat Tales Wildlife Center
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African Lion - Panthera leo

Meet Our Lioness

Many captive born wild and exotic animals are still used through out the United States as props in pictures with paying guests. There is a difference between a "photo-op" and an Ambassador Animal that is part of an educational program where the animal is carefully supervised and it's health and welfare are the priority. A question to ask is "what happens to that animal once it is no longer small, cute, profitable, or becomes ill, dangerous, and/or illegal?" Under current USDA regulations (2021) big cats such as lions and tigers, can only have exposure to public physical contact until 12 weeks of age. This is the most vulnerable age for these animals. Many are stressed or become ill from being mishandled or exposure to disease. We know that some are sold to responsible private individuals, but the majority that survive eventually end up at rescue sanctuaries like Cat Tales.

Picture

Nala

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.   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 crated the tiger boys for transport to Spokane, Nala 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 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. Born April 22, 2010

Lion Facts
Species: African Lioness Panthera leo
Habitat: Grassy plains of Africa
Lifespan: Wild 12-15 years Captivity 18-22 years
Diet: Carnivore
Status: Vulnerable

For all of their roaring, growling, and ferociousness, lions are family animals and truly social in their own communities. They usually live in groups of 15 or more animals called prides. Lion prides can be as small as 3 or as big as 40 animals. In a pride, lions hunt prey, raise cubs, and defend their territory together. In prides the females do most of the hunting and cub rearing. Usually, all the lionesses in the pride are related—mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and sisters.

Many of the females in the pride give birth at about the same time. A cub may nurse from other females as well as its mother. Each pride generally will have no more than two adult males. Only males have manes, size and length vary by region.

While the females usually live with the pride for life, the males often stay for only two to four years. After that they go off on their own or are evicted by other males who take over the pride. When a new male becomes part of the pride it is not unusual for him to kill all the cubs, ensuring that all future cubs will have his genes. The main job of males in the pride is defending the pride's territory. A male's loud roar, usually heard after sunset, can carry for as far as five miles (eight kilometers). The roar warns off intruders and helps round up stray members of the pride.
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Hunting generally is done in the dark by the lionesses. They often hunt in groups of two or three, using teamwork to stalk, surround, and kill their prey. Lionesses aren't the most successful of hunters, because they usually score only one kill out of several tries. After the kill the males usually eat first, lionesses next—and the cubs get what's left. Lions will gorge themselves eating up to 66 pounds (30 kg) at one sitting. Males and females fiercely defend against any outside lions that attempt to join their pride.
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Cat Tales Wildlife Center
(formerly Cat Tales Zoological Park)
(509) 238-4126
mail@cattales.org 
17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, WA 99021
Picture
CAT TALES -  Established 1991 - 
​
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization - TIN - 91-1538226

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Our Mission is to Provide:
  • ​A safe and secure home for rescued big cats and wildlife,
  • Professional animal care to ensure their health and well being, and
  • Public education to the benefit of all wildlife.

  • Home
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Hours & Admission
    • Big Cat Adventure
    • Group Tours & Private Events
    • School Tours
  • Meet the Animals
  • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 2020-21 Fiscal Year
    • Licenses and Permits
    • History of Cat Tales
  • Wildlife Academy
    • Professional Zookeeper Program
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
  • share the care
    • Food Donations
    • Amazon Smile
    • Adopt-an-Animal
    • Your Donations at Work
    • Sponsorship
    • Wish List
  • Donate Today