World Lion Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Lion

The purpose of World Lion Day on August 10 is to bring attention to the plight of lions. Lions, known scientifically as ‘Panthero Leo,’ are one of the most well-known and popular animal species. They are known as the ‘Kings of the Jungle’ due to their imposing and menacing personalities, which are a result of their massive bodies and thick, shiny manes. Even from five miles away, you can hear a lion’s roar, which is unrivalled in force. Due to popular culture icons such as Simba from “The Lion King,” children also enjoy lions. As a result of poaching and hunting, the current global population of lions is just below 50,000. However, 100 years ago, lions existed in significant numbers. Therefore, World Lion Day draws attention to this endangered species by raising funds and increasing protection measures.

The background of World Lion Day

In 2013, the first World Lion Day was celebrated. It was led by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a conservationist and wild cat enthusiast couple. The Jouberts approached “National Geographic” for assistance after realising that lion populations have decreased dramatically across the globe. In 2009, the couple collaborated with them to create the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.). The primary objective of the B.C.I would be to protect and preserve the remaining lion species on Earth. While deforestation, climate change, and human intervention may have had an impact on lion populations, studies indicate that their extremely low numbers may also be attributable to ice ages and natural environmental disasters, which have led to their isolation in only a few countries, namely India and South Africa. To date, the B.C.I. has made significant strides, receiving more than 150 grant awards, reducing threats to nearly 3,000 feral cats, and removing 13,000 life-threatening snares.

The lion belongs to the ‘Felidae’ family of animals and is regarded as a top predator. It is the second-largest cat, weighing between 300 and 600 pounds, behind its tiger companion. A typical lion has a muscular body, a short, rounded head and ears, and a bushy tail. Its sex can be determined by its thick and luxurious mane, which lionesses lack. In addition, lions are the only cats that roam in sizable groups known as prides. According to scientists, lions hunt in the wild because it is simpler to capture prey in the wild. Their natural habitats consist of grasslands and savannas. A pride of lions will likely be found near bodies of water, where they wait for prey to approach for a drink and then attack on them.

5 LION FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Young lion kittens are born with spots on their coats, but as they age, these spots tend to fade away.

As a lion ages, its mane will transform from pale to dark in colour.

Lion offspring are typically raised by all of the females in a pride.

Lionesses are superior predators to their male counterparts, which is why they hunt 80 to 90 percent of the time.

Lions sleep at least twenty hours per day.

WORLD LION DAY DATES