ZEUS

A LION

Shambala's Mane Event, Zeus Lion of the windswept hair was born July 7, 1999.  He came to Shambala from a private owner in Huntsville, Texas.  Zeus had been a graduation present, the choice being either a car or a lion cub.  After the laws in the Texas county changed to ban exotics, his people found a home for him at Shambala, ariiving by U-Haul on July 2, 2002.

Often called the King of Beasts, the lion (Panthera leo) is the second largest member of the cat family. A large male lion like Zeus measures from 9 to 10 feet (2.7 to 3.0 meters), including the tufted tail, and stands more than 3 feet (0.9 meter) tall at the shoulders. He can weigh about 400 pounds (180 kilograms). His body is covered with short yellow-brown hair, and a coarse mane grows on his head, neck, and shoulders.

Lions are social creatures, forming groups called prides , which may consist of up to 12 related females and their cubs, and up to six males. Much of the hunting is done by the lionesses. Zeus is particularly mellow, often amusing himself with a stick or a rock, or by showing off for any nearby lioness.  Unlike most lions, he also loves splashing in the small stream that runs through his compound, often much to the consternation of a tour guide who has just told their group that lions do not like the water!

Lions were once widespread across Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and India. Now they are largely confined to the plains of East Africa, with a few scattered colonies elsewhere, including the Gir Forest in Northern India.

Would you like to "adopt" Zeus, or one of the other "Wild Ones?"
Check out Shambala's exciting "Adopt-a-Wild One" program!