Animal Quick Facts
-
Size
Male lions can weigh up to 500 pounds and stand up to 4.5 ft at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller and weigh between 270 and 350 pounds.
-
Color
A golden tan coat that blends well with savanna and grassland surroundings. Male lions have manes of varying coloration, from blonde to black.
-
Lifespan
16.9 years (median life expectancy of males and females combined)
-
Range
Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, Western Africa.
-
Habitat
Live in the savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest.
Panthera leo
Location in the Zoo: African Savanna
African lions live in groups, which are known as prides. Lions have several vocalizations including roaring, mewing, humming, and growling. Roars are typically used to announce their presence within a territory, alert other prides/predators, and to keep bond with other pride members.
Prides are made of up to 15 members with one to two dominant males, with the rest lionesses and their cubs.
The African lion is a carnivore, dining mostly on ungulates but occasionally taking on larger prey items like elephants and hippos. Lions hunt as a pride, with each pride member having a favored hunting position. Lionesses are the main hunters of the pride, stealthily attacking prey in the early morning or at night.
Breeding occurs year-round. After a gestation of 102-113 days, one to four young are born to each female.