Female lions are the primary hunters of the pride. Male lions are the guardians of their territory and their cubs. Male and female lions play distinct roles in the pride. They live in groups (called prides) of approximately 30 lions. Lions, unlike other cats, are highly social animals. Their roar is so powerful that it can be heard up to 5 miles away They are second only to tigers, who are closely related to lions and have a similar body type to them.īoth male and female lions can roar. Lions are the second largest cats in the world. Lions, on occasion, even scavenge for spoiled meat.Īfrican Lion 33 Kansas City Zoo in Kansas City, Missouri While Lions normally hunt their own prey, they sometimes steal kills from other carnivores like hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. They also sometimes eat smaller animals like mice, hares, tortoises, lizards, and birds.
Asiatic Lions live in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Indian state of Gujara.ĭIET : Lions are carnivores (meat eaters) who primarily eat antelopes, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wild hogs, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and young elephants. HABITAT: Although called “the king of the jungle”, African Lions actually live in the grasslands, scrub, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. LIFE SPAN: Lions normally live 15 years in the wild, and can live up to 30 years in captivity Southwest African Lion- Panthera leo bleyenberghi West African Lion- Panthera leo senegalensis Avus enjoyed enrichment like cologne and taco seasoning, and was excited about participating in training sessions.To access the Animal Info main page, click here!įor more photos of Lions and other members of the cat family in my online gallery, click here! He was very laid back and known for pretending he didn't hear zookeepers when it was time to go inside so he could get a few more minutes of sleep. He had the most amazing eyes and a face framing mane. In the wild, the lifespan of lions is a range between 12-15 years of age.Īvus was an easy favorite to staff and guests alike. Zuri and Asante are also classified as geriatric at the ages of sixteen years as well. Avus was able to see his home at the Topeka Zoo transform with the opening of Camp Cowabunga in 2018. In 2007 Avus and Asante had one offspring, Adia, who in turn provided the pair with two grandsons that live in other AZA zoos. Following a recommendation from the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, Avus came to Topeka in the summer of 2006 to pair with lionesses Zuri and Asante. Avus led an impactful life at our zoo, inspiring guests to care more about wildlife and conservation.”Īvus was born at the Henry Vilas Zoo on October 14, 2004. Today is a sad day for our extended zoo family. We did a comprehensive exam and tried new medication but did not see an improvement in his condition. “Earlier this week we noticed a significant decline in his well-being. “Avus had been experiencing agerelated issues for some time.” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. TOPEKA, KS – Veterinary staff at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center made the difficult decision to euthanize a 16-year-old African Lion named Avus Friday morning, according to a media release.