Where there are prey there are predators and the reigning predator on the African savanna is the lion, the king of the beasts. As the sun begins to set on the Serengeti and many animals bed down for the night, the largest and most powerful African hunters are just beginning to stir. Most hunts take place at twilight when the temperature is coolest and there is little light. Lionesses hunt in groups of twos and threes, slowly stalking their prey, surrounding it, and moving in for the kill as a team. Carnivores that hunt alone are often limited to weak, old or very young prey, however since lions hunt in family groups called prides they are able to feed upon large, healthy prey.
Dominant males eat first, females second, and the cubs feed on whatever remains.
The Struggle Adolescent males are forced to leave their family pride at sexual maturity. Either as nomads or in small bachelor groups they must learn to hunt and scavenge for food. Adult males have a reputation for being lazy, but as young males they work hard to develop the skills necessary for survival. Few young males have the strength and skills necessary to defeat the current leader of a pride. Combat can be bloody and many males die as a result of the wounds suffered during these ferocious battles for leadership.