ZooBlog
Zoological Parks
African lions
Class:
Mammalia
Habitat: Grassy plains, savannas, open woodlands and scrub
Length: 6-8 feet
Weight: 260-550 pounds
Gestation: 105-118 days, three or four cubs
Diet: Zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and buffalo
Photo © Matt L.
Meat Eaters
Lions are carnivorous, and they
would eat almost anything including other lion species, but their general
diets vary from very small rabbits all the way up to the elephants. They are
fast runner, with the speed of over 30 miles per hour over a short distance,
therefore stalking is also an important hunting strategy.
Pride
Lions live in a group called "pride"
of up to fifteen lions. Females and their cubs make up a majority in the group,
along with a few males. Their roars can be heard in 5 miles in order to locate
each other and possibly announce territories. Females can give birth throughout
the year, but in general they always give birth around the same time within the
pride. They will nurse their cubs as well as other cubs and protect them from
predators and mature males. The cooperative care strengthen the survival of the
pride.
Animal Info
African lions
can be seen at the Bronx Zoo.
Cheetahs
Class: MammaliaHabitat: Open semi-desert, grassland
Length: 6 feet
Weight: 100 pounds
Gestation: 90-95 days, 1-9 cubs
Diet: Gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas, hares
Photo ©Matt L.
Born to Run
Cheetahs have many physical features that allow them to run so fast, including a flexible spine and muscular legs.
Hungry after a Hunt?
Cheetahs must rest after they hunt and before they eat. As a result, more dominate predators, like lions, often locate and steal their kill.
Animal Info
Cheetahs can be
seen at the Bronx Zoo.
