African Lion

Habitat

African lions are found in a variety of habitats, from the grasslands of East Africa to sands of the Kalahari Desert.

Wild Diet

Lions are carnivores, eating a variety of mammals inlcuding zebra, buffalo and deer.

Behaviour

Lions are one of the only cats to live in a family group. Called ‘prides’ these groups can have up to 30 lions living together. In the wild the females do all the hunting, whilst the males get first pick at the meal once it is brought back to the pride.

Breeding

2-5 cubs are born after a gestation period of 102-112 days.

Conservation

The African lion has a Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. African lions suffer due to illegal poaching, habitat destruction and human encroachment on their territory.
Newquay Zoo is home to siblings Boss, Semira and Amahle, who are brilliant ambassadors for this big cat species.