Quick Facts
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Daily Sleep:
Up to 20 hours
Lifespan:
12 to 20 years
Cypress
Magnolia
Our Lions
Since they arrived in the late summer of 2021, Cypress and Magnolia have been a wonderful addition to our Zoosiana family. How'd they get the names, Cypress and Magnolia? From visitors like you! We held a social media contest to help us name them when they first arrived and in true Louisiana fashion, Cypress and Magnolia were the winners! Our guests love watching them play with the enrichments created by our Animal Care Team, chase each other through their exhibit, or lounge around in the bamboo shade. Guests can meet Cypress and Magnolia at the African lion exhibit as soon as they enter the zoo!
In the Wild
Due to many issues such as disease, hunting by humans, and loss of habitat, the population of lions in Africa is declining at a concerning rate. The natural habitat for lions is now found only in protected reserves, and lion movement between prides is becoming more limited. It is estimated that there are between 6,000 and 10,000 African lions in Africa.
Fun Facts
- The lion is the only member of the cat family to live in a group, called a pride.
- The male lions guard the pride, including the cubs.
- Adult male lions have impressive manes, which help attract females, and also protect their necks when fighting with other males over territory.
- Lionesses, adult female lions, hunt in groups to provide food for the pride.