Smithsonian National Zoo #4: African Lion

The African Lion pride at the National Zoo is currently comprised of 6 adults: 3 females and 3 males.  Back in 2014, the alpha male Luke successfully bred with both Naba and Shera.  Between the two of them, they produced a total of six cubs.  Three of these cubs have since moved on to other zoos, and three remain: one female (Amahle) and two males (Jumbe & Shaka) to round out the group.

Luke is now an old man.  He has some health issues around his spine and so it is no longer good for him to either engage in breeding or even tussling.  When Luke is out, he is out on his own.  The three females spend time out together, and the two younger males, the same and on their own.  Given that the Lions share two of the three big cat habitats in the large exhibit where the lions and tigers reside, one of those groups is not on display.  Today the ladies and Luke were out.

A parting view to the Great Cats exhibits and Luke on his hill master of his domain.