Lion Pictures and Facts Page 3

Three African lion cubs.
Image Source: Kenneth Stansell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This threesome can visit your desktop . . .
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Fact: Lion cubs are born with spots, but as they mature, the spots fade; sometimes, however, the spotting can remain on their bellies and legs. Since cubs are the most vulnerable to predators when they are young, the spots may give the young camouflage until they are old enough to either get away, or begin hunting themselves.

An African lioness enjoys some much earned rest.
Image Source: Kenneth Stansell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This "Queen of the Beasts" will rule your desktop . . . if you let her.
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Fact: Female lions will stay for life in a pride that they were born into, but males come and go as the pride changes ownership. The average reign for male lions over a pride is two to three years. It's no wonder that they are nearly paranoid in their protectiveness over their lionesses! When a male lion looses his pride to other males, his sired cubs are frequently killed, so that the females will come into season, and be ready to mate with the new dominate male lions sooner than if their young had survived. Source: The Lion's Roar: More than Just Hot Air