A lion is a large, powerful cat that lives in Africa and a small part of India. Male lions are famous for their thick, flowing manes of hair around their heads and necks, which make them look even bigger and more impressive. Female lions, called lionesses, don't have manes but do most of the hunting for their group.

Lions live in family groups called prides, usually with several related females, their cubs, and one or two adult males. Unlike most cats, which prefer to live alone, lions are social animals that work together to hunt zebras, wildebeest, and other large prey on the African grasslands.

Throughout history, lions have symbolized courage, strength, and royalty. Kings and warriors have used lions on flags, shields, and coats of arms for thousands of years. The lion appears in countless stories, from Aesop's fables to The Lion King, usually representing bravery or noble leadership. We call the lion the “king of the jungle,” even though lions actually live in grasslands, not jungles. When someone fights with the heart of a lion, they show extraordinary courage. A lion's share means the largest portion of something, because the strongest lion in a pride may eat first.