Lions have long been symbols of strength and nobility throughout history. And when you consider their powerful and regal bearing, it’s no wonder so many kings and nations have adopted the lion as their symbol. So to mark World Lion Day, here are 5 incredible facts about these majestic animals you may not know.
1. A lion’s mane is a symbol of its power
That’s right - the male lion’s big fluffy mane isn’t just for decoration.
In fact, it’s a visual display of the lion’s fighting ability and overall health.
This can help it attract females while scaring away rivals who may wish to steal his position in the pride.
The darker and longer the mane, the more lionesses are attracted to the lion. And the shorter and blonder the mane, the more likely the lion is to be attacked and killed by other lions.
2. Lionesses can turn on and kill males
It’s not just male lions that the head of the pride needs to look out for.
Lionesses can dispatch older males who have lost their dominant position in the pride too.
Lions don’t rule their prides entirely by force, and their alpha position is only permitted because the female lions accept them.
However, when the dominant lion begins to lose his edge and the females notice it…they may no longer accept them as head of the pride and take action to have them replaced.
This is why most males will only be able to remain with the pride for 3 to 5 years.
3. Lions can live up to 25 years
The lion’s natural home in the savannah can be a brutal place, with each day posing many dangers.
They may meet their end as defenceless kittens, from rival lions in adulthood, or from hunters and habitat loss at any age.
This is why the average lion lives only 10-14 years in the wild. However, in captivity they reguarly live 20-25 years as external threats are eliminated, social conflict is averted and they get the medical treatment and food they require in their later years.
4. There are wild lions in India too
Centuries ago, lions lived in a much larger area than they do today.
You can even see extensive art created by ancient Mesopotamians of them hunting lions in what we call the Middle-East today.
However, now the majority live in the grasslands and savannahs of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Yet even though the lion is undoubtedly associated with Africa, there is a very small population also living in a tiny area of India.
This group is critically endangered and faces extinction despite proactive measures to protect them.
5. White lions exist!
You’ve probably never seen one, and you probably don’t even know they exist….but white lions are real!
These are an incredible variety that are barely ever seen because their color is due to a rare genetic condition known as ‘leucism’
This causes a change in their regular pigmentation and gives them their different color.
So white lions aren’t a different type of lion at all - they’re just a different color!
Are you a committe lion lover now?
Then celebrate World Lion Day by checking out our special range of lion-themed treasures in our store!
Browse Lion Pieces
The Lion King Ring
$24.99
$39.99
This beautiful ring majestically details the King of the Jungle.A beautiful gift for the lion in your life. Material: Stainless Steel, Rhinestones Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The Checkout Process is Guaranteed to be 100% Safe and Secure with… SEE MORE
The High King's Lion Ring
$24.99
$29.99
The regal lion has been the symbol of Kings for millennia. Gold and black accents highlight the lifelike textures on this lion ring.Beautifully crafted in water- and tarnish-resistant 316L Stainless Steel, this durable symbol of nobility has a place in… SEE MORE
Domineering Lion Ring
$19.99
$24.99
This beautifully detailed ring features the King of the Jungle in striking gold relief against a black IP-plated ring. Material: Zinc Alloy Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The Checkout Process is Guaranteed to be 100% Safe and Secure with… SEE MORE