Lions are among the most astounding animals in the world, often symbolising strength, courage, and magnificence. Beyond their reputation as apex predators, there is a lot more to these big cats than meets the eye. Whether you are a wildlife fanatic or just curious about the ‘king of the jungle’, these insights will deepen your appreciation for one of nature's most fascinating and powerful creatures.
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Photographed By Jaco Joubert
Female Lions Do Most of the Hunting
In a pride, it is the lionesses who handle most of the hunting. Males may help with larger kills, but females are the true providers. Female lions are the ones who make the decisions and plan the coordination, ensuring the survival of the pride.
A Lion's Roar Can Be Heard 5 Miles Away
Lions have one of the loudest roars in the animal kingdom. It helps them communicate with their pride and warn rivals from afar. This roar demands attention. Rangers usually rely on a lion's roar to pinpoint its location during still and dense air.
Lions Rest Up to 20 Hours a Day
These apex predators are big on conserving energy, often spending most of the day sleeping or lounging in the shade. In terms of survival, sleep is a must for these giants. Fuelling up on energy during the day gives lions an advantage when it comes to their hunting time.
Photographed By Mike Kirkman
Unlike leopards and tigers, lions live in social groups called ‘prides. A pride can include up to 30 individuals, many of whom are mostly females with their cubs, and a few males.
Lion Cubs Are Raised Together
Lionesses raise their cubs communally (as a pride), allowing strong and permanent social bonds to develop among pride companions. This kind of joint parenting increases cub survival rates.
Males Take Over Prides by Force
When a new coalition of males take over a pride, they often execute the existing cubs. This brings the females back into heat, allowing the new males to sire their offspring
Photographed By Reggie Barreto
Do You Think You Can Remember These Roaring Facts?
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