“The Lion King”, Disney’s popular 1994 animated film, has been the closest I’ve ever gotten to a lion.

via GIPHY

I’m serious. I wanted to join Simba’s pack and frolic in the mud with Timon and Pumbaa.

I also wanted to defeat Scar…

via GIPHY

and get married to the “Lion King” soundtrack…

Ashamedly, this is as far as my knowledge of lions extend.

And its a terrible fact to admit, as these powerful creatures of nature require some acknowledgement.

Below are 10 Amazing Facts that will stupefy you about Lions:

1. Lions (Panthera leo), are the second largest cats in the world after tigers. Some of the animals that make the top 5 big cats list include tigers, leopards and jaguars; All belonging to the Panthera genus and a member of the Felidae family.

2. The lion is associated with being strong, majestic and fearless. It is traditionally awarded the title “King of the jungle”.

3. Lions are regarded as the only truly sociable big cats in the world, as they are often found in their pride (which is a group of lions consisting of about 15 lions). Giving them an advantage to attack animals as a group.

4. Over the years, some ancient clans like the Sotho people have used the lion (Tau in sotho) as their clan name, which suggests that the family has traits similar to that of a lion.

5. Lions possess both beauty and strength.

Although they appear to be similar, lions vary in colour and coats. Mature male lions can be spotted amongst a pride with their thick brown mane that covers their necks which protects them during fights.

☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ #lion #animal #animals_photography

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6. Diet

Lions are predatory carnivores, they consume a variety of prey meaning that they hunt and kill. The lioness has the duty to hunt while the lion stays in their den to take care of the cubs. T

hey consume a wide variety of prey, from zebra, impala, giraffe and many more. However animals like elephant, hippo and rhino are the exception due to the high risk involved for lions to kill them.

7. Relationship

Roughly lions mate every 30 minutes for three days without stopping, this process occurs to ensure that fertilization occurs during the lionesses window period.

8. Range

He’s gorgeous #lion 🦁#wildanimals #safari #lovesouthafrica🇿🇦 🐘🐊

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Traditionally lions are found in most parts of Africa, however now they are also found in the Sahara desert of Southern and Eastern Africa.

9. Lifestyle

#lion #masaimara #bigcats #nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #blackandwhitephotography #blackandwhite

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10. Lions are basically cats

They are lazy creatures and can be found spending around 20 hours resting.

They are very sensitive towards heat as it takes them longer to cool down.

Due to their fur, their pores are covered and lions cannot sweat like we do. So the best way for them to cool down, is by resting under the shade or by climbing high rocks to receive the cool breeze.

Information sourced from:

1. People like us Safaris

http://www.peoplelikeussafaris.com/2012/03/09/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-lions/

2. Defenders of wild life

https://www.defenders.org/lion/basic-facts

3. WWF

http://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/good-nature-travel/posts/ten-interesting-facts-about-lions

-Jane Folodi

Categories: Education News