1. Estimates of the number of lions living in the wild range from 20,000 to 39,000. A century ago there were at least 10 times as many.
2. About 15,000 lions live in Tanzania which is far more than any other country.
3. London Zoo has been celebrating World Lion Day by giving its three Asiatic lionesses, Heidi, Indi and Rubi, specially strengthened Boomer balls to play with.
4. The balls are scented with Indian spices which the lionesses love, despite being born in England.
5. Female lions do 85-90 per cent of a pride’s hunting for food, leaving the male lions to patrol the territory and protect the group.
6. A pride of lions usually consists of 10-15 animals.
7. The roar of an adult male lion can be heard up to five miles away.
8. Although they are known as “king of the jungle”, most lions actually live in savannah or grasslands. The only forest-dwelling lions are found in India.
9. Lions can be more than 7ft long, weigh up to 500lb and can run at speeds exceeding 50mph.
10. Until 12,000-14,000 years ago, cave lions lived in Britain. It is unclear whether their extinction was due to climate change or human hunting.