Lion

Panthera leo

Mammalia · Carnivora · Felidae

Fig. 1. Lion

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Body length about 1.4-2.5 m
Weight	About 120-250 kg
Food	Carnivore: zebra, wildebeest, buffalo
Lifespan	About 10-14 years wild, 20 in zoos
Society	Prides of related females, cubs and a few males
Habitat	savanna, grassland
Range	Africa, Asia
Wild or tame	Wild

The only truly social cat. A small population of Asiatic lions survives in India's Gir Forest.

Observe: Watch head rubbing between pride members and listen for roars at dawn and dusk.

Modern data

Status today

VUVulnerable AZA SAFE: African Lion status to verify

Conservation	Vulnerable from habitat loss, prey loss and conflict with herders.
Keeper's note	Lions rest up to 20 hours a day, so enrichment comes in bursts: scent trails, carcass feeds, boxes to rip.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Panthera

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS