Leo

a Lion

Born in October, 1992, Leo the lion was found living in a garage in Branson, Missouri. Arriving at Shambala in April, 1993, Leo quickly grew into the brawny, handsome male pictured above. He also quickly acquired another claim to fame: Leo, in fact, is the only real lion "member" of the Acton, California Lion's Club!  Leo was also the first “poster boy” selected to inaugurate the Roar Membership 2000 campaign, and he and his magnificent mane grace much of the Preserve’s literature.

Often called the King of Beasts, the lion (Panthera leo) is the second largest member of the cat family. A large male lion like Leo measures from 9 to 10 feet (2.7 to 3.0 meters), including the tufted tail, and stands more than 3 feet (0.9 meter) tall at the shoulders. He can weigh about 400 pounds (180 kilograms). His body is covered with short yellow-brown hair, and a coarse mane grows on his head, neck, and shoulders.

Lions are social creatures, forming groups called prides, which may consist of up to 12 related females and their cubs, and up to six males. Much of the hunting is done by the lionesses. Lions were once widespread across Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and India. Now they are largely confined to the plains of East Africa, with a few scattered colonies elsewhere, including the Gir Forest in Northern India. Leo and pride-mate Remo usually divide their time between a hilltop compound where they can survey their Shambala domain, and a lower area with a small pool and waterfall.  Like all lions, he spends much of his time sleeping, but is always ready to check out guests and keep an eye on what the tigers in a nearby compound are eating.

All of us at Shambala would like to join Leo in thanking you for your kind and generous support.

Would you like to "adopt" Leo, or one of our other "Wild Ones?"
Check out Shambala's exciting "Adopt-a-Wild One" program!