Facts about Barbary lions - Panthera leo leo | The Aspinall Foundation

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Panthera leo leo

IUCN Status: Extinct in the wild

Visit us at: Howletts Wild Animal Park & Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Barbary lions have been extinct in the wild since the 1920s. Our lions are descended from the Barbary lions kept in the palace menageries by the kings of Morocco and carry distinctive genes which may be important for the diversity of North African lions.

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All subspecies of lion are now threatened in the wild mainly due to conflict with people.

Lifespan: up to 20 years

Weight: Males 200kg, females 130kg

Length: 2.5 metres

Diet: Carnivore

Diet detail: Deer, wild boar, antelope and monkeys

Did you know?: Lions can eat 40 lbs of meat in a sitting. That’s the equivalent of 160 quarter pounder burgers!

Threats to barbary lions

Sadly, the Barbary lion is already extinct in the wild.

Adopt a lion

Adras and Oudrika had their first litter in 2019. Khari, Binti and Kulinda now almost 2 years old are very playful and a joy to anyone who visits. Khari is taking after his dad in both looks and personality with bold Kulinda and shy Binti by their mother’s side. Adopt the pride today to help protect Barbary lions for the future.

Adopt the pride

Big cat care packages

Our care packages are a great way for you to get involved and help us feed one of our Barbary lions for a day.

Buy lunch for a lion

Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Where to see our Barbary lions

Our Barbary lions live at Howletts Wild Animal Park, nr Canterbury and Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, nr Ashford.

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Barbary lion at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

Barbary lion cubs at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent

Lion cubs at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

Barbary lion, Milo at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

Barbary lion at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

Barbary lion cubs at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent

Lion cubs at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

Barbary lion, Milo at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

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The Aspinall Foundation

The Aspinall Foundation is an internationally renowned animal conservation charity who are world leaders in the breeding and protection of endangered animals.
Port Lympne

For an unforgettable trip, try the Keeper for a Day experience, and in the afternoon, relax in the restaurant with a view of the freely roaming animals. Turn your visit into a short break by discovering Port Lympne's authentic safari accommodation options.
Howletts

Home to the largest herd of African Elephants in the UK, Howletts Wild Animal Park is one of Aspinall's award winning parks committed to the conservation, breeding and reintroduction of rare and endangered animals.
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Book an unforgettable short break at Port Lympne and get back to nature in style and comfort. Wake up in a tiger’s world, experience an authentic safari without the air miles, check out the view from your treehouse, soak up the history and atmosphere at the hotel or cottages or watch the animals roam past in front of your own Shepherds hut. With so many unique ways to stay, your short break could become a wild adventure!