African Lion

Panthera leo krugeri & Pantera leo

Scientific Name

African Lion:  
Panthera leo krugeri & Pantera leo

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The African lion can be found in Africa, south of the Sahara desert.

Natural Habitat

African lions prefer to live in grassy plains and open woodlands.

Physical Characteristics

  • The Lion is the largest African cat. Height at the shoulder is 3 feet and the length (without tail) can reach six feet. Weight is from 270-500 pounds. The fur is uniform in length and tan in color for camouflage. The tail is tufted. The conspicuous mane is found only on the mature males. The African lion has a longer mane and heavier build than the Asian lion.

Quick Facts

  1. Tiberius was born at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY on March 7, 2013 to first time parents Asha and Chester. Tiberius was hand-raised by keepers at the Seneca Park Zoo, along with his sister Savanah.

  2. Lions eat every 2-3 days when prey is plentiful. Adult males can consume about 50 pounds at one time.

  3. All of a pride’s lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age.

Exhibit

Lion

Conservation Status

Vulnerable: The African Lion population has been seriously depleted and its protection is not secured

Help Us End Extinction

Adoption is simple. Show how much you care about animals all year round by selecting your favorite animal from our adoption list.

Become A Hero

Diet

Carnivore

In the wild, African lions feed on zebra, wildebeest and antelope. In human care, they are fed a commercially prepared feline diet on a daily basis. They are given fresh, hard bones once a week.

Images