Lion
Sep 09, 2011
Lions live in groups called prides.
Design
Lions live in groups called prides. These prides make hunting a group effort although lions do hunt alone or in pairs, as well. Prides also provide the young with a greater survival rate since there is more than one female to provide food and protection for the cubs. During World War II, lions in the zoo survived on plants since meat was rationed. This goes back prior to the Fall when all animals were vegetarians.
Features
- Both male and female lions are tan; but only the male develops a mane. The mane is usually a darker brown color and helps protect the male from competitors in a fight.
Fun Facts
- A lion can leap up to 36 ft (11 m) in one bound.
- Adult lions do not have any predators, except for man.
- Each lion has a unique pattern of whiskers on its muzzle.
- Lions take readily to water and are strong swimmers.
Created Kind Members
Cheetah, jaguar, leopard, bobcat, tiger, cougar, housecat
CLASS: Mammalia (mammal)
ORDER: Carnivora (meat-eating)
FAMILY: Felidae (cat kind)
GENUS/SPECIES: Panthera leo
Size: About 4 ft (1.2 m) tall; 8–12 ft (2.4–3.7 m) long with tail
Weight: Male: 300–550 lbs (150–250 kg); Female: 260–400 lbs (120–180 kg)
Original Diet: Plants
Present Diet: Wildebeest, zebra, and antelope; sometimes rhinoceros, elephant, or hippopotamus
Habitat: Savanna and forests of Africa
Read More Articles
Supplemental material for the Zoo Guide: A Bible-Based Handbook to the Zoo
