What Is a Lion?
A lion is a mammal. It is part of the cat family. It has fur and breathes air.
Lions eat meat. Most wild lions live in Africa. A small number live in India.
Lion
A lion is a big wild cat. It has golden fur, strong legs and a long tail. Lions live in grassy places.
Fun Facts About Lions
- A baby lion is called a cub.
- A group of lions is called a pride.
- A lion can make a very loud roar.
- Many male lions have a big, furry mane.
Easy learning for little ones
Talk and Move
Try one short prompt at a time. Children can point, speak or copy the movement.
- 1
Point to the lion's tail.
- 2
Say “lion” and make a gentle roar.
- 3
Pretend to stretch like a sleepy lion.
Habitat, Food, and Movement
- Home: open grasslands and woodlands
- Food: meat from animals such as zebras
- Movement: walks, runs and jumps
- Sound: roars and growls
Easy Practice Sentences
Easy: I see a lion.
Medium: The lion has golden fur.
Challenge: The lion rests under a tree.
Say each sentence aloud and point to the picture.
Activity Idea
Make a home for a lion on paper.
- Draw grass, a tree and some water.
- Draw a lion with four paws and a long tail.
- Colour its fur golden brown.
- Tell a grown-up what your lion needs.
This activity helps children draw, speak and learn about a lion's home.
Lion Body Parts
- Eyes: help the lion see
- Whiskers: help it feel things near its face
- Teeth: help it eat meat
- Paws: help it walk quietly
- Tail: helps it balance
Look and Think
- What colour is the lion?
- Can you point to its paws?
- Can you find its tail?
- Does the lion have a mane?
Learning Safely About Lions
- Lions are wild animals. Never go near one.
- Never touch or feed a lion.
- Stay with a grown-up at the zoo.
- Always stay behind the safety fence.
Compare and Think
- Lion and tiger: both are big wild cats.
- Lion and cheetah: a cheetah can run faster.
- Lion and pet cat: both have whiskers and paws, but a lion is much bigger.
Life in a Pride
A group of lions is called a pride. A pride can have grown-up lions and cubs.
The lions help to look after their cubs. They may also find food together.
Why Lions Need Protection
Lions need safe places to live. They also need enough food and water.
People can protect the land where lions live.
Lion Words to Learn
- Cub: a young lion
- Lioness: an adult female lion
- Pride: a social group of lions
- Mane: long hair around a male lion's head
- Carnivore: an animal that eats meat
- Habitat: an animal's home
Check understanding
Quick Questions
Say each answer aloud. Then check it with a grown-up.
Q1
What is a group of lions called?
Answer
A group of lions is called a pride.
Q2
What does a lion eat?
Answer
A lion eats meat.
Q3
What colour is a lion's fur?
Answer
It is golden brown.
Q4
What is a baby lion called?
Answer
A baby lion is called a cub.