The Lion is a large powerful cat and most people are frightened by their loud earsplitting roar, but are also at the same time impressed with the regality of the lion. For it's strength and appearance make some think that the cat is a big and cuddly, but the teeth and claws tell a different story.

Approximately 200 lions live in Asia now while a larger number live in captivity such as reserves and zoos. The Lion is built for strength not speed, while Some Male Lions can grow to 3 metres long from nose to the end of its fuzzy tail, while their weight can reach 160-180 kilograms.

The male lions are the only cats that have a collar or mane of long thick hair. This mane gives the lion an ever stronger appearance as it helps protect him when in a fight of survival.

Male - Lion

Female - Lioness

young - cubs

gestation approximately 3 1/2 months

# in litter is 1 to 6 usually 2 or 3

Lifespan 20-25 years in captivity and in the wild only 15-20 years

found in Africa south of the Sahara

A pride may have anywhere from 10 to possibly 35 lions, with each pride having 1 to 5 males plus several lionesses and the rest being cubs. The members of a pride may not always be together but when they meet up again they will rub cheeks as humans shake hands meeting old friends.

Life in the pride is usually peaceful and they spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping or resting. Cubs will chase each other and wrestle as they play. The females do the hunting while the males do all of the protecting.

MATE AND LIONESS
LION CUB

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