Females are polyestrous and heat lasts about 4 days. Gestation period is 100-119 days, and litters contain one to six young. The newborn weight is about 1300 grams each, their eyes may be open at birth or may take up to 2 weeks to open. Cubs follow their mother after 3 months, suckle from any lactating female in the pride, and usually are weaned by 6-7 months, participate in kills at about 11 months, and probably are not capable of surviving on their own until least 30 months. Sexual maturity is attained at around 3-4 years.
Lions attain the greatest geographical distribution of any terrestrial nonhuman mammals.
This lion is a member of the Order Carnivora, Family Felidae. It was perfused with fixative according to our standard protocol and was obtained from the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison.