Males are known for their large manes, while females are smaller and don’t exhibit such fantastic hair.
Lions gather in groups known as prides, with the females hunting in smaller groups.
Lions are a vulnerable apex predator found in savannas, grasslands, and shrublands throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with a small population in western India.
2. African Bush Elephant
Also known as the African savanna elephant, the African bush elephant is one of the two African elephant species.
This is the largest terrestrial animal in the world, with an average shoulder height of just over 13 feet.
As a result of habitat destruction and poaching for ivory and meat, African bush elephants are an endangered species.
3. White Rhinoceros
One of the heaviest mammals in the world is the white rhinoceros, averaging at around 2,200 pounds.
There are two subspecies of white rhino – the northern white rhino and the southern white rhino.
Both subspecies can be found in the grasslands and savannas of Africa.
These gentle giants are a near threatened species as a result of habitat destruction and poaching.
4. Meerkat
Meerkats are a small mongoose species found in African savannas.
These small mammals live in groups each with their own task – whether it’s staying on the lookout for predators or finding insects.
The meerkat is most famously known for their adorable and entertaining stature.
These small mammals stand on their hind legs with their bodies upright, constantly moving their pointed faces around to look for predators.
5. Warthog
The common warthog is a wild pig found in savannas, grasslands, and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
They look similar to wild boars, with a tough gray exterior and long, shark tusks.
As with elephants, warthogs are frequently poached for their precious ivory tusks.
Despite their medium-sized build, warthogs are surprisingly fast and feisty, running up to speeds of 35 mph and fighting a range of predators – including cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
Hi, I’m Olivia Kepner and I am a zookeeper here in San Diego. Since I was a young girl I have always been fascinated by animals and species across the globe.
I used to beg my parents to take me to our local zoo every single weekend. Well, I say local – it was more like a two hour drive away. But they took me as much as they could, allowing me to fall in love with the animals again and again.
