Lions are among the most popular animals to see on safari, and it’s not hard to see why. For centuries humans have been captivated by their majestic appearance, sociable nature and incredible hunting skills. Sadly, however, lion numbers have declined by over 90% since the 1950s, with poaching and habitat loss leading to their classification as vulnerable on the IUCN list. If you’ve read The Lion Inside, a heartwarming story about a lion and a mouse who are very different from one another, you’ll have an idea of why lions are called the kings of the jungle. Here are just ten reasons why these creatures are awesome and deserve to be protected.
 

1. Lions are the loudest big cats

A lion’s roar is the loudest vocalisation of all the big cats, reaching up to 114 decibels. That’s louder than a chainsaw. The sound of their roar can travel as much as five miles (8km).

2. Lions are good tree climbers

We tend to think of lions as creatures that laze about on the ground during the heat of the day, but did you know they sometimes climb trees to cool down? Ugandan lions in particular head up fig and acacia trees to escape the heat radiating off the ground. 

3. Lions are the only sociable cats

Lions are unique in that they hang out in social groups called prides. All other big cats are solitary, but lions enjoy bonding with each other by huddling up, grooming each other and rubbing their heads together. 
 

4. Lions are big eaters

Lions only eat a couple of times a week, but when they do, they eat big. An adult lion can eat up to 40kg of meat in a single meal - that’s the weight of a 12-13 year old person!
 

5. Lions have super senses

Lions have excellent night vision and hearing, helping them to hunt in the dark. They can see six times better than humans in the dark, and hear much higher pitched sounds than we can. 
 

6. Lionesses have specific hunting roles

Lionesses hunt together and each has her own role. Some take a wing position, driving the prey towards the lionesses at the centre who then make the kill. An individual will often take the same role for every hunt. 

7. Lions are fast runners

Cheetahs might be the fastest animal on the planet, but lions aren’t far behind. They can reach speeds of up to 50mph (80km/h).
 

8. Lions are strong

Lions are seven times stronger than humans and can shift prey that is four to five times their bodyweight. That means they have no trouble dragging a zebra or wildebeest into a safe spot for the pride to eat. 
 

9. Lions’ whiskers are vital

Lions’ whiskers are vital to their survival, enabling them to navigate narrow spaces, detect prey and orient themselves during a kill.

10. Lions talk with their tails

Lions use their tails as visual signals, using the tufty end to guide cubs though long grass, and entwining their tails with other lions to show affection.  

Discover The Lion Inside on stage

Fans of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s lion and mouse story, The Lion Inside, can now see it live on stage. Touring the UK between June and September 2026, this family show tells the tale from the lion and the mouse book with stunning puppetry, songs and dancing. Book your tickets today to join the fun.