 Lion Mammal ( Felis leo or the genus Panthera ), found in the open country in Africa, South West Asia, and West India. Extinct in Europe and much of its former range in Asia and Asia minor. The Lions short haired coat varies from yellow to brown, in both sexes the tail ends in a dark tuft.
Most male lions have a black and tawny mane, either short or long, males sometimes reach a length of 9 to 10 ft. from nose to to the tail and weigh up to 500 lbs. The line hunts antelope, zebra, and other large animals as well as smaller ones. it also eats carrion. Lions live in prides, and travel sometimes in groups. Usually only old or weak lions attack man. In folklore the Lion is king of beasts. In Christian symbolism the lion anciently represented Jesus. |
