Classified within the order Carnivora, the lion (Panthera leo) belongs to the Felidae family. They are perfect predators, made so through thousands of years of natural selection.
Going out at dusk to feed, they can eat 50 kg of meat at one time. They devour small vertebrates and giraffes and buffalos alike. They prefer large animals like antelopes. Lions don't hunt every day; they do so at least once a week.
The lionesses are generally in charge of the hunt. Lions can runner faster than 70 km/h. When they hunt alone, lions watch their victim until they are at a distance in which the victim can be reached in a quick run. Once they take their victim down, they bite its neck, inflicting death. Lions generally converge in places where other animals drink water. They will sometimes hunt in groups and use different strategies. Some lionesses surround the herd and hide in the grasses, against the wind so they won't be detected by smell. Then, another lioness scares the animals towards the hiding lionesses, who unexpectedly jump on the victims.
When the hunt is over, the male normally takes possession of the prey. If he allows it, the females are allowed to approach. Lions need to eat quickly to prevent other animals from snatching their food. When they are not hunting, they spend their time resting and sleeping. Lions live outdoors in open spaces and sleep 20 out of 24 hours. Upon awakening, they yawn to oxygenate their blood and to prepare for activity.
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