African Lion
Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides. Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females, and their young. All of a pride’s lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Young males eventually leave and establish their own prides by taking over a group headed by another male.
Only male lions boast manes. Males defend the pride’s territory, which may include some 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) of grasslands, scrub, or open woodlands. These intimidating animals mark the area with urine, roar menacingly to warn intruders, and chase off animals that encroach on their turf.
Female lions are the prides primary hunters. They often work together to prey upon antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and other large animals of the open grasslands. Many of these animals are faster than lions, so teamwork pays off. Females have a gestation period of 100 – 119 days and usually have a litter of 1-4 cubs.
Only male lions boast manes. Males defend the pride’s territory, which may include some 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) of grasslands, scrub, or open woodlands. These intimidating animals mark the area with urine, roar menacingly to warn intruders, and chase off animals that encroach on their turf.
Female lions are the prides primary hunters. They often work together to prey upon antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and other large animals of the open grasslands. Many of these animals are faster than lions, so teamwork pays off. Females have a gestation period of 100 – 119 days and usually have a litter of 1-4 cubs.
Fun Facts
• Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides.
• A lion’s roar can be heard from as far as 5 miles away.
• A lion’s roar can be heard from as far as 5 miles away.
scientific classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Panthera
Species
Panthera Leo
did you know?
A lion can run for short distances at 50mph and leap as far as 36 feet.
A good gauge of a male lion’s age is the darkness of his mane. The darker the mane, the older the lion.
A lion may sleep up to 20 hours a day.
Where to find us
Safari Niagara is home to six African Lions, Reba, Dolly, Khari, Kabira, Keeya, and Kiros.
Two of our African Lions (Reba and Dolly) can be found in The Silent Forest, which can be entered slightly after Tram Stop #2 and the other four are located on the south side of the park just after Tram Stop #6.
Two of our African Lions (Reba and Dolly) can be found in The Silent Forest, which can be entered slightly after Tram Stop #2 and the other four are located on the south side of the park just after Tram Stop #6.
