Angolan lion

Angolan lions arrived at Gdańsk Zoo in 2014. The male Arco came from Lisbon, while the females Berghi and Tshibinda arrived from France. The group's beginnings thus brought together animals from several European zoos. In the wild, Angolan lions are associated with south-western Africa.

Unlike most cats, lions live socially. A pride may contain up to thirty animals. A dominant male defends the territory, while females often hunt together. Their prey includes zebras, antelopes, wildebeest and warthogs. Cooperation between lionesses also extends to raising young: cubs may be suckled by different females within the pride.

Much of a lion's day, however, passes without a chase. The animals may spend as many as twenty hours resting. A reclining lion is therefore perfectly consistent with an effective predator; this pattern of activity is part of its way of life. Pregnancy lasts around 110 days, and a litter usually contains two to six cubs. Family relationships, care of young and cooperative hunting are as important to understanding these animals as the strength of an adult male.