Animals : Lions

Craig and Zion

Zion Wildlife Gardens is the proud guardian of 13 rare Barbary lions. The wild pride is ruled by their father Samson and consists of mum Shania, their three daughters Cora, Tanza and Jabu, and two sons Shumba and Zamba.

Savannah, who was taken from the wild pride at ten days old and hand-reared by Craig, would have to be about the cheekiest lion you've ever seen!

Aslan and Narnia, who are Savannah's younger siblings, share her enclosure and were also hand-reared by Craig.

Zion

Zion, born in 1999, is arguably the tamest Barbary lion in the world. Also hand-reared by Craig, they share a special unique bond that allows Craig to be able to spend any time of day or night within Zion's enclosure - which he shares with his beautiful sister Shia.

Barbary and white lions

Gandor, the wildlife gardens' first white lion, arrived at Zion mid-2004 along with his good friend Shikira (a tawny Barbary lioness). He's now been joined by Laduma, Amafu and Imvula - three more extremely scarce white lions.

Gandor, Shikira and Craig

BARBARY LIONS:
The rare Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo), originated from North Africa. Due to the cooler winters they developed heavier bodies and thicker manes. Their mane can extend to the middle of the back and along the stomach and can become quite dark (almost black) in colour. A large male can weigh up to 250kg and be up to 2.6m in length. They are such a good looking animal that the Romans used the Barbary lion in their gladiatorial contests.

Unfortunately, this 'King of Beasts' is now classified as extinct in the wild and the Barbary lion Is only bred in captivity. It is believed there are only approximately 250 alive in the world today. Zion Wildlife Gardens is now part of a specialised breeding programme to help this species remain in existence.

WHITE LIONS:
Originally known to come from the Timbavati region of Southern Africa there are no known white lions left alive in the wild, and only a handful currently remain in existence in the world. The white lion is not albino, nor is it a separate subspecies, but is an African tawny lion with a recessive gene. Zion Wildlife Gardens are fortunate to have two of each sex, each from different bloodlines, and will be able to drive a strong breeding programme to help ensure this unique and beautiful animal continues to exist.