The African lion is the second largest cat in the world. It is dwarfed slightly by the tiger, which is closely related and has a very similar body type.

Even though the African lion is the second largest cat in the world, it is considered the largest of all African cats! Females are slightly smaller growing up to six feet long and weighing about 275 pounds. Males can reach a length of seven feet and weigh about 390 pounds! Their coats range from silvery grey, yellowish red, light buff, and dark brown depending on the region they are found.

African lions displaying their large, woolly manes are always male. These thick manes vary from blonde to near black with darker manes belonging to older lions.

There is one exception to males always having manes as male Tsavo African lions develop little to no manes. In 2006, it was discovered that mane density and length gradually decreased as temperature increased. This adds up as Tsavo is known for its extreme heat.

African lions have dew claws on their front feet that can be used to hold down prey.

African lions are found throughout the savannas, scrubland, and grassy plains of sub-Saharan Africa.

African lions are considered generalist carnivores as they eat such a wide variety of prey. Because prey is sparse in the desert regions, African lions are built for endurance so they can travel farther distances for food. Female lions are the primary hunters, hunting in groups to take down larger prey like zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalos, and more.

Even if the female lions make the kill, males still eat first, then the females, followed by the cubs.

African lions can go up to two weeks without drinking water as they get enough from their prey’s blood.

There is no specific breeding season for African lions as females can mate any time of the year. After mating, females will remain pregnant for a little over three months before giving birth to 1-4 blind 4-pound cubs in a secluded den. To keep the cubs safe, mother African lions will relocate them several times a month to cover their scent. After 6-8 weeks, the mother will integrate her cubs into the pride.

Unlike other cats, lions are very social animals.

They live in groups, called prides, of around 30 lions. A pride consists of up to three males, a dozen related females, and their young. The size of the pride is determined by the availability of food and water. If resources are scarce, the pride becomes smaller.

People see white lions and assume they are albino; however, the lions still have normal-colored eyes and skin. Their white coat is caused by double recessive alleles, instead of a gene defect that causes albinism.