Nap-time for two old ladies

Ten days ago, on 3 November 2014, my daughter and I spent a few hours at the Calgary Zoo. I rarely visit the Lion enclosure, but I’m glad we went on Monday, as the lions were reasonably active – at least the males were, while the females looked on or had a nap.

African lions live on the plains and savannahs of East, Central and Southern Africa. The Calgary Zoo has four of these animals – 2 males who are brothers and 2 females. The two male lions were born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. on September 22, 2010 ((corrected from 2012) and arrived at the Calgary Zoo late July 2012. "They are of the lion subspecies krugeri (Panthera leo krugeri) and since their parents are directly from South Africa they are considered founders in the Species Survival Program and North American population. The two females are about 18 years of age, so there are no plans to breed them with the immature males. However, it is expected that the Species Survival Plan will eventually see breeding-age female lions transferred to Calgary to be paired with the male lions.” Their Conservation Status: Vulnerable.

“Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides. Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females, and their young. All of a pride’s lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Young males eventually leave and establish their own prides by taking over a group headed by another male.

Only male lions boast manes, the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads. Males defend the pride's territory, which may include some 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) of grasslands, scrub, or open woodlands. These intimidating animals mark the area with urine, roar menacingly to warn intruders, and chase off animals that encroach on their turf.” From National Geographic.

www.nationalgeographic.com/prototype/topics/african-lion/...