Lion
Panthera leo
A large wild cat of the African savanna that lives in family groups called prides.
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About the Lion
The lion lives mostly on the savannas and grasslands of Africa, and a small group also lives in the Gir Forest of India. Lions live in groups called prides that can have from 3 to 30 members. Lionesses do most of the hunting and go after large animals like zebras and wildebeest. A male lion's thick mane makes him look bigger to rivals and helps protect his neck in fights.[1][2]
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Panthera leo[2]
- Size
- 3.5 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) tall at the shoulder. Males are larger than females.[2]
- Weight
- Males: 330 to 570 pounds (150 to 260 kg). Females: 270 to 400 pounds (122 to 180 kg).[1]
- Lifespan
- In the wild, lionesses can live up to 16 years and males rarely live past 12. In human care, lions can reach their late teens or early 20s.[2]
- Diet
- Carnivore. Hunts large animals such as zebras and wildebeest.[2]
- Habitat
- Savannas and grasslands.[2]
- Where it lives
- Africa, plus a small population in the Gir Forest of India.[2]
- Group life
- Lives in prides of 3 to 30 lions, depending on how much food and space the area has.[1]
- Babies
- A mother usually has 1 to 4 cubs at a time.[2]
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).[1]
Fun facts
Vocabulary
- pride
- A family group of lions that live and hunt together.
- carnivore
- An animal that eats mostly meat.
- savanna
- A warm, grassy area with only a few scattered trees.
- mane
- The long, thick hair that grows around the head and neck of an adult male lion.
- vulnerable
- A conservation label meaning a species faces a high risk of dying out in the wild.
See it in person
- Montgomery ZooMontgomery, Alabama · AfricaSee this area on the zoo's website ↗
- Zoo AtlantaAtlanta, Georgia · All AnimalsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗
- San Francisco Zoo & GardensSan Francisco, California · MammalsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and AquariumOmaha, Nebraska · Scott African GrasslandsSee this area on the zoo's website ↗
- Oakland ZooOakland, California · African SavannaSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗
These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.
Sources
- [1] San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Lion.” https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/lion (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [2] Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. “Lion.” https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/lion (accessed 2026-10-01)
Facts last checked 2026-10-01.
