World Lion Day

World  Lion Day on August 10 aims to raise awareness about the plight faced by  lions. Scientifically known as ‘Panthero Leo,’ lions are one of the  most well-known and popular animal species out there. They are called  the ‘Kings of the Jungle’ due to their arresting and fearsome  personalities created by their great bodies and heavy, shiny manes. A  lion’s powerful roar is second to none, and it can be heard even five  miles away. Owing to the pop culture icons like Simba from “The Lion  King”, lions are also loved by children. However, while lions existed in  large populations 100 years ago, today, their numbers are just below  50,000 worldwide as a result of poaching and hunting. World Lion Day,  therefore, brings attention to this endangered species by raising funds  and amping up protective measures.

History of World Lion Day

The  first World Lion Day came into being in 2013. It was headed by Dereck  and Beverly Joubert, a couple who are passionate about preservation and  wild cats. After realizing that lion populations have drastically  decreased worldwide, the Jouberts approached “National Geographic” for  the brand’s help. Forming a partnership with them, the couple came up  with the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.) in 2009. The B.C.I.’s main goal  would be to protect and preserve the remaining lion species in the  world. While aspects like deforestation, climate change, and human  intervention may have impacted lion populations, studies have shown that  their extremely low numbers may also have to do with ice ages and  natural environmental disasters that have led them to becoming secluded  in only a few countries of the world, namely India and South Africa. To  date, the B.C.I. has made substantial leaps, from getting 150+ grant  awards to reducing almost 3,000 threats to 3,000 wild cats to removing  13,000 life-threatening snares.

The lion comes from the ‘Felidae’  family of cats, and it is considered to be an apex predator. It is the  second-largest cat weighing around 300 to 600 pounds, with the first  being its cousin, the tiger. An average lion’s body is muscular with a  short round head and ears, and a tufty tail. Its sex can be identified  through its heavy and luscious mane, which are absent on lionesses.  Lions also happen to be the only cats who roam around in large groups  known as prides. Scientists believe that lions do so because it is  easier to catch prey in the wild. Their natural habitats are savannas  and grasslands. You will most likely find a pride of lions near water  bodies as they strategically wait for prey to come there for a drink and  then pounce on them.

World Lion Day timeline

1758 ‘Felis Leo’ is Coined

Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish zoologist and botanist, invents ‘Felis Leo’ as the scientific name of lions.

1996 Vulnerable Species

The  lion is placed on the Red List of the International Union for  Conservation of Nature due to its African population decreasing by 45%  since 1990.

2009 Big Cat Initiative is Formed

Dereck and Beverly Joubert, in partnership with “National Geographic”, start the Big Cat Initiative to save lions.

2013 The First World Lion Day

The B.C.I. announces the first World Lion Day in order to include the world in lion preservation efforts.

How to Observe World Lion Day

Vow to protect lions

Refuse to buy lion products

Donate your assets

No  matter how you choose to spend the day, make sure it is worthwhile by  vowing to protect lions. Lions are natural predators that are necessary  to keep prey populations in check. Apart from such environmental  benefits, lions are extremely beautiful and majestic animals that have  ruled the pop culture scene for a long time. So, let’s take a vow to be  there for them.

Whether  you are looking to buy a new bag or coat, or any other similar  paraphernalia, make sure you know where it is coming from. Refuse to buy  lion products (or other animal skin products) to reduce sales and  market value.

Time  and money are the most valuable assets you can give in today’s world.  Look out for national and international organizations that protect wild  cats, and invest in them by donating your money to the cause. If you  cannot donate, you can volunteer your time by either helping the  organizations with volunteer work or by promoting the organizations in  your circles.

5 Facts About Lions That Will Blow Your Mind

Younglings have spots on their skin

Manes change over time

Cubs are raised together

Females are mightier hunters

Heavy and long sleepers

Young lion cubs are born with spots on their coats, but these tend to fade away as they grow older.

A lion’s mane will change color, going from light to dark, as it grows older.

Lion cubs are generally brought up together by all the females in a pride.

Lionesses are better hunters than their male counterparts, and it is for this reason that they hunt 80% to 90% of the time.

Lions will sleep for at least 20 hours a day.

Why World Lion Day is Important

It’s a celebration of lions

It’s a reminder about the importance of preservation

It’s a celebration of the natural environment

For  most of us, “The Lion King” was a huge part of our childhood. We  rejoiced at the birth of Simba but also grieved with him over his  father’s death. Holding such sweet memories and images, we cannot let  the beloved animal go extinct. Let’s come together on August 10 to  protect lions from all dangers.

Preservation  has become a necessity, more now than ever. We cannot hope to live on a  peaceful and resourceful Earth if we keep depleting it of its natural  resources, be it water, fuel, or animals. We must preserve and protect  the Earth for ourselves as well as future generations.

The  natural environment has given us countless gifts. From food for taste  and survival to medicinal properties to inspiration for technological  inventions, nature has continued to reward us since time immemorial. We  must therefore honor, respect, and celebrate it.

Did you know that the official symbol of the City of Jerusalem, Israel's capital, is a lion? It represents the "Lion of Judah," the symbol of the Tribe of Judah and later the Kingdom of Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem.

Happy #WorldLionDay

Pen & ink sketch of a queen taking a drink, for #WorldLionDay.🦁💛👑

The reason for this date is to raise awareness for how the number of lions have declined by over 40% in the past three decades due to human interference and poaching. Even then, I worry it could be more than that. They’ve now been listed as a ‘vulnerable’ species. Here are some links if you wish to find more information or donate to conservation efforts: