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African Lion

(Panthera leo)

In the wild, African lions live in social groups called prides made up of several females, their young and a few males. At the Detroit Zoo, sisters Asha and Amirah and male Kalu form the resident pride — and in November 2025, it grew with the arrival of three healthy cubs born to Amirah and Kalu.

On Habitat

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Quick Facts

Habitat: African Grasslands

Class: Mammals

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Size: 4 to 7 feet long; 3 to 4 feet tall at the shoulder

Weight: 260 to 450 pounds

Median life expectancy: 16 years

Diet: Animals ranging in size from small hares to large buffalo

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