Common name: Lion
Scientific name: Panthera leo
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
At the zoo: Kasal (male, 10y), Prim (female, 10y), Tess (female, 10y), and Pumpkin (female, 3y). You can find all of our lions in the western enclosures of our Cat Complex.
Remembering Boomer (2007 - 2026): We share the difficult news that Boomer, our beloved 18-year-old African lion at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, has passed away following a rapid decline in his quality of life due to end-stage renal disease. After careful consultation with our veterinary and Animal Health and Welfare teams, the compassionate decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Boomer, who was found as a cub near a highway in Quebec and later came to the zoo at age three, grew into a calm and dignified ambassador for his species, forming lasting connections with guests and staff while helping raise awareness for African lions. As the most senior lion in our care, he received extensive, individualized support for age-related health challenges, including chronic kidney disease, with his care transitioning to comfort-focused palliative support in recent months. When his condition worsened and he could no longer be kept comfortable, we ensured he passed peacefully with dignity. Boomer lived a long life defined by care and connection, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Habitat:
African lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa, typically in the savanna and grassland biomes.
Diet:
In the wild: large and small ungulates, small mammals, birds, carrion.
Median Life Expectancy:
17 years
Biology:
Lions are the only members of the cat family to live in a social group known as a pride. The females hunt for food and the males protect their territory and babies from other males. Lions are the only cats that show gender dimorphism which means the male and female of the species look different. Lions typically sleep during the day, become active in late afternoon, and often hunt at night. Lions are vulnerable due to poaching and habitat loss and exist primarily in protected areas.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that lions can sleep up to 21 hours a day!?
