Guide Note

Lions are large cats native to savannas, grasslands, dense bush and woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa and Northwest Asia. Until about 10,000 years ago, lions were found virtually worldwide and were the second most populous mammal on earth next to humans.

Asian lions are smaller than those found in Africa and are considered to be critically endangered, since there are only an estimated 200-300 Asiatic lions left in the wild.

Fast Facts

1. Average life span: 15 years
2. Captive lions may live up to 25 years
3. Weight: 270-530 pounds
4. Height: 3.5 to 4 feet at the shoulder
5. Largest known lion measured 11 feet from nose to tail
6. Second largest cat next to the tiger
7. A male lions' roar can be heard up to 5 miles away
8. Lions sleep up to 20 hours per day

Unlike most other cats, lions live in large social groups known as prides which may contain up to forty members. The pride consists of a number of females and their offspring and one or two adult males. The females, or lionesses, do most of the hunting and each member of the hunting party has a specialized role. Hunting in groups allows lions to bring down large prey such as wildebeests, zebras and other large ungulates.