Local sanctuary rescues mistreated exotic cats

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

Nothing gets your heart racing quite like the sound of a lion’s roar. I experienced that adrenaline rush first-hand on a game walk during my South African photo safari. Our group was strolling along, admiring the zebras in the distance, when we suddenly heard a blood-chilling roar that sounded way too close. Our two rangers immediately moved to the front of the group and told us to stop moving. Say what? Our first instinct was to turn and run away, but that reaction would’ve made us prey. Instead, we quietly and slowly backed away from the sound that was coming from a protective lioness who was warning us to keep away from her cubs. Done!  

Here are some interesting facts about lions — the second largest cat in the world, behind tigers:

Lions and domestic cats share similar personalities. Research conducted by scientists at the Bronx Zoo and University of Edinburgh compared the personality of domestic cats to that of the Scottish wildcat, clouded and snow leopards, and African Lion. Researchers observed these animals in captivity, rating them on five personality characteristics: openness (general appreciation for new information and experiences), conscientiousness (similar to self-discipline), extraversion (breadth of experience, as opposed to depth), agreeableness (concern for social harmony), and neuroticism (tendency to experience stress and negative emotions). Domestic cats turned out to be the most similar to African Lions: both species show dominance, impulsiveness (the opposite of conscientiousness) and neuroticism. Your cat is basically a tiny lion. 

Lions aren’t really the “king of the jungle.” Lions only live in grasslands and plains — not jungles. In the wild, lions exist only in Africa and one national park in India, which was created to protect the species. 

Lions are sprinters, not marathoners. They can run 50 mph for short distances, and they can leap up to 36 feet. 

Female lions do the vast majority (90 percent) of the hunting while the males defend the pride’s territory. Despite the females doing the “lions’ share” of the work, the males eat first. These big cats have a hearty appetite. Although their average daily intake is 20-25 pounds of meat, they gorge themselves after a big kill. Males can eat up to 95 pounds of meat in one meal, with females putting away more than 55 pounds. 

Lions can’t purr. Big cats (lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars) have a length of tough cartilage that runs up their hyoid bones to their skull. This cartilage prevents them from purring but allows the larynx to produce a full-throated roar — up to 114 decibels. A lion’s roar can be heard from up to 5 miles away! Smaller cats (bobcats, ocelets, lynxes and cougars) can and do purr.   

Lions sleep up to 20 hours per day — just like your cat. 

These majestic felines’ survival is threatened by habitat loss. Lions are listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. 

The most critically endangered species is the West African lion; there are less than 400 remaining.

Unlike people’s, a lion’s hair gets darker with age. To estimate a male lion’s age, look at the color of his mane. The darker the mane, the older the lion. 

To observe these majestic creatures up close in Texas, visit In Sync Exotics in Wylie (insyncexotics.org/). This sanctuary rescues mistreated exotic cats and cares for them for the rest of their lives. In Sync staff also educate the public about the care and protection of exotic cats. I highly recommend the special nighttime feeding tour. Hearing the lions roar as they wait for their dinner is an incredible (and safe!) experience — without an 18-hour flight to Africa. 

North Texas Giving Day is Sept. 19, and scheduled giving has already begun. 

Please consider donating to In Sync Exotics, your favorite animal rescue organization or a spay/neuter clinic. 

Visit northtexasgivingday.org. 

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