The image of the lion in western society: king of the jungle or endangered species?

The image of the lion in western society: king of the jungle or endangered species? The lion (Leo or panthera leo) , the large cat of the family Felidae, the second largest of the big cats (after the tiger), has always captured our imagination. For centuries it has been the symbol of power, strength, pride, courage and royalty. It is one of the main motifs throughout heraldry. Many royal and powerful families have the lion on …

…outside zoos - an unthinkable prospect - or carefully patrolled national parks" . It is said that, "when a lion roars, a king is born" ; yet, sadly, this king is loosing more and more of its domain and subjects. Unless people heed the wake-up call, drastically change their thinking and behaviour, increase and enforce positive preservation then Africa will have lost its king, and the king's roar will end in a whimper. Written by Christina Gerber.