The lion is one of the most social of all feline species. With a roar so loud it can be heard 5 miles away and with a running speed of up to 50 mph, it’s no wonder this beautiful feline is considered the “King of the Jungle.” The lion is just one of the four largest cats in the genus Pantera and also a member of the family Felidae, the biological family of the cat. Tigers, jaguars and leopards are part of the Panther. Male lions can reach a length of 10 feet and weigh between 300 and 500 pounds or more. The female weighs about 290 pounds. The male is recognized by its long mane. The mane is used for bullying and begins to grow as early as 3.5 years of age. Darker manes are more likely to attract females. The darker and fuller the mane, the healthier the male will be. The mane protects the cat while fighting and is usually a light yellowish brown. The female lioness is called a lioness. The lioness does most of the hunting. They attack wildebeest, antelope, zebra, and sometimes giraffe. They will also feed on smaller animals such as hares, birds, and reptiles. The male joins once the prey has been killed.
A group of lions is called a “pride” because of their regal quality. A pack generally consists of fifteen to around thirty or more cats, mostly related females. The male marks his territory with urine within the herd. Lions have also existed for more than two million years. They can be found mainly in Africa or in the zoo. The lion population in Africa has been cut in half since the early 1950s. Today, there are fewer than 20,000 in Africa. Male lions rarely live more than 10 years in the wild because fighting with rival males greatly reduces their longevity. While in captivity, they can live for over 20 years. Today lions can be used in home decor and more. The lion is a special animal for the Chinese. A pair of stone lions that are male and female, known as “Foo Dogs”, can often be seen in front of the doors of traditional buildings. When used in Feng Shui, people with bad intentions will not be able to do the intended damage in a place that has Foo Dogs at the door. The beautiful bedding has used lions as an art form, making the bedroom look more beautiful and exotic. Long live the king!
