Lions

1.   Lions are the only members of the cat family (Felidae) with manes, though only the male lions have manes.

2.   Generally, the darker the lion’s mane, the older he is.

3.   After they feed, lions may not hunt for a few days. But when they eat, they usually eat all of their prey at once.

4.   Lions are carnivores—meat eaters. They hunt animals ranging in size from small hares to large buffalo.

5.   A typical meal for an adult male lion is 15 pounds (7 kilograms) of meat, though lions can consume as much as 60 pounds (27 kilograms) at a sitting.

6. Lions have been known to live nearly 30 years in captivity and have an average life span of 15 years in the wild.

7. Cubs are born in litters of one to six, with two to four being the average number. Their average weight at birth is two to four pounds (one to two kilograms).

8. When lions walk, their heels don’t touch the ground.

9. Unlike most cats, lions are excellent swimmers.

10. Lions drink with their tongues and can usually lap a little water at a time. It takes about ten minutes to “fill ’er up.”