Lion Handpuppet - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
Only male lions boast manes, the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads. Head and body, 4.5 to 6.5 ft (1.4 to 2 m); Tail, 26.25 to 39.5 in (67 to 100 cm); Weight: 265 to 420 lbs (120 to 191 kg).

Habitat
Today Lions are found only in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, roaming areas of open country with shrub, spreading trees or reedbeds. The one exception is one very small population of Asian lions that survives in India's Gir Forest.

Behaviour
Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides. Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females and their young. All of a pride's lionesses are related and female cubs tend to stay with the group. Young males eventually leave and establish their own prides by taking over a group headed by another male. Males defend the pride's territory, which may include some 100 square miles.

Breeding
Lions begin to breed at two years but reach their prime at five years. Mating take place at most times of the year and a male may mate with several females. A lioness has cubs about every two years and gestation is 105 - 112 days. Shortly before birth, she chooses a suitable place for her lair, which ideally should be out of sight from predators, sheltered and close to water. The number of cubs in a litter is 2 to 5 and they are born blind with a spotted coat. Male lions take no interest in the rearing of the young and may sometimes even try to kill them.

Diet
Lions are carnivores. Female lions are the pride's primary hunters. They often work together to prey upon antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and other large animals of the open grasslands. Many of these animals are faster than lions, so teamwork pays off. A lion's diet also consists of small rodents, hares and reptiles, which can be hunted and killed by a solitary lion.

Strange and Interesting Facts
Tigers are lions' closest relatives. Without their coats, lion and tiger bodies are so similar that only experts can tell them apart. A lion's roar can be heard up to five miles away. Lions often sleep for most or all of the day, especially in extreme heat.