Lions are big, bold and beautiful creatures that live in groups called prides. A pride usually has around 10 to 15 lions, but some are even bigger. A pride is like a lion family, made up of mothers, cubs, sisters, aunties and usually a few males. They eat together, sleep together and protect each other – they’re a proper team.

The top cat

But who’s in charge? In most prides, it’s the lionesses – the females – who do most of the hunting and take care of the cubs. They’re strong, clever and very protective. The male lions - the ones with big, shaggy manes - usually look after the pride by guarding it from danger. The biggest, strongest male, called the dominant male, is in charge of fathering cubs and protecting the pride’s territory. Other males may be adolescent cubs who will eventually leave to form a pride of their own.

Working together

Pride life is about working together for the benefit of all. The lionesses co-ordinate most of their activities, from hunting to raising the cubs, and are also good at defending their family. If a hyena or leopard sneaks onto their patch, the lionesses work together to scare them off. It’s this teamwork that keeps the pride alive.

Lions don’t just protect their pride from other animals - they also take care of each other. If one lion is hurt or tired, the others stay close to lick wounds, share food and even cuddle. Yes, lions like to cuddle; it helps them stay close and feel calm.

Cubs – baby lions – are super important to the pride. Once cubs are introduced to the pride at six to eight weeks of age, the lionesses all help to raise them, making sure every cub is safe and healthy. They share the load, nursing them, grooming them, teaching them survival skills and taking them on hunts when they’re ready. This ensures a strong bond is formed between all family members – especially between the female cubs as they will typically stay with the pride for life.

Discover The Lion Inside

Did you know that lions can also teach us something about courage? Just like in The Lion Inside book, sometimes the smallest creature can be the bravest. This story is all about a little mouse who learns to roar like a lion, and discovers that even a big, tough lion has fears of his own.

If you love lions and stories about bravery, friendship and finding your voice, you’ll love The Lion Inside story. It’s full of heart, and the pictures are amazing too!

You can even enjoy this charming story live on stage. Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s picture book has been adapted for the theatre, bringing it to life like never before with music, puppetry and more. Come and experience The Lion Inside read aloud at a theatre near you. Book your seats now and find your very own roar!