African Lion

Panthera leo

Unlike other cats, lions live in social groups called prides that consist of a handful of females and their young and a coalition of two to three males. Males protect the pride and their territory by roaring and scent-marking as they patrol the area.

As the dominant predator on the African savannah, lions can take the largest prey of any other carnivore in the region. Working cooperatively as a team, the lions stalk and surround their prey, getting as close as they can before launching an attack. They are successful in only one of every four hunts.

Fact File

Species @ Risk Image
Species Survival Plan Image
where to see themWhere to see them: Siegfried & Roy's White Lion exhibit
heightHeight: Male - Up to 4 ft, Female - Up to 3.6 ft
weightWeight: Male - 330 to 530 lbs, Female - 270 to 400 lbs
lifespanLifespan: Up to 18 yrs in the wild
habitatHabitat: Savannah, arid woodland, and scrubland
dietDiet: Primarily hoofed mammals such as gazelles and zebras; some small mammals, birds, and reptiles

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