African Lion

The second largest member of the Cat Family, the African Lion is a highly social carnivore that lives in small groups of 4 – 20 individuals called a Pride. Prides consist of closely related female lions and their cubs led by one or two males. Lions have excellent vision and prefers to hunt at night when the temperature is cooler, resting during the day in the shade. Males are much larger than females and have a thick mane that covers their head, neck and shoulders. Lions are ranged throughout Africa except the rainforest region of the Congo. Over hunting and habitat, loss has reduced their ranged to the sub-Saharan plains and parts of East and South Africa. Females will produce a litter of 2 – 4 cubs after a 4-month gestation. (Source: Miami MetroZoo)

In the A Day At The Zoo photo essay.