A lion is a big powerful cat, probably the most famous member of the cat family. Man and most other animals fear these fierce animals. Man is frightened by the lion's thundering roar, impressed by its strength and royal appearance. The lion is called the “King of Beasts”, and is a well-known symbol of beauty and power.
Lions can live in cool climates and in the intense heat of semidesert areas. They do not like to live in thick forests. Most of them live in woodlands, grassy plants, and areas with thorny scrub trees. Lions live where they find a supply of food, deer, antelope, zebra and other hoofed animals and where they have a place to drink.
In ancient times, lions live in Europe, the middle east, India and much of Africa. But man has killed thousands of lions as he settle in new areas. As a result, there are no more lions left in the middle East, and northern Africa. Only about 200 still live in Asia, all in Gir Forest in India. Lions still live in the east and central Africa, but most of these lions live in national parks and areas called reserves where they are protected from hunters.
Thousands of lions also live in captivity, in zoos throughout the world, and traveled lions perform in circuses.
