The African lion is a symbol of strength, courage, and wild beauty. Found mostly in savannas and grasslands across Africa, lions are powerful predators—but they’re also playful, loyal, and full of surprises.
Unlike most big cats, lions are social animals. They live in groups called prides, made up of related females, their cubs, and one or two males. Prides work as a team to protect their territory, raise cubs, and hunt. The females usually do the hunting, while the males defend the pride and roar to warn off rivals.
Speaking of roaring… a lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away! It’s one of the loudest animal sounds on land, used to mark territory or call the pride together. Lions also communicate with purrs, growls, and even gentle head bumps.
African lions are carnivores, meaning they eat meat—usually antelope, zebra, buffalo, or wildebeest. They’re strong and fast but also clever, often hunting in groups to increase their chances of catching a meal.
You might expect lions to be on the move all day, but actually, they’re some of the laziest animals in the savanna! Lions sleep or rest up to 20 hours a day to save energy for hunting.
Sadly, wild lion populations are declining due to habitat loss and poaching. Zoos help raise awareness and support conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals and the grasslands they call home.
