African lions are sexually dimorphic (have two distinct gender forms). Males are larger and have a mane. Their fur is light tawny, with white on the belly and the inner side of the legs, while the back of their ears and their tail tip are black. The mane can be tawny to reddish-brown to black. Adult males usually have a dark mane on the head, neck, and shoulders, which offers protection to the neck during fights. Both sexes have a tuft of fur on the tip of the tail.
 

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE African Lion Program 

Over the last almost 30 years, lion populations in Africa have been cut nearly in half, with 20,000-30,000 individuals remaining. Although this decline went largely unnoticed for many years, zoos have recently worked together to make African lion conservation a top priority. 

Brookfield Zoo Chicago participates in the AZA SAFE African Lion Program to help identify survival threats, support recovery, and offer you opportunities to learn more about at-risk species. 
 

Threats 

• • Habitat loss and fragmentation 

• • Human-wildlife conflict 

• • Illegal wildlife trade 

• • Climate change
   

How We Care 

• • The Zoo cares for African lions Brutus and Titus. 

• • In 2025, the Zoo is supporting the Lion Recovery Fund “Recovering Lions, Restoring Landscapes.”