Introducing Ari, the embodiment of kingship! Ari knows that he has a reputation to live up to, and he most certainly satisfies all expectations! Whether he is spending his day watching over his African territory, hunting for food or diligently protecting his mate and cubs, he does it all with zeal and elegance!

Despite Ari’s predatorial nature, he values his beauty sleep and, like many cats, can frequently be found enjoying an afternoon snooze in the sunshine! Ari will often dedicate up to 20 hours a day to sleeping, leaving his female mate to keep a watchful eye on the cubs and hunting with other lionesses.

Despite being a born predator, lions like Ari aren’t immune to threats. Factors such as altered land use, and prey decline due to habitat changes means that even some of the largest, strongest animals are in grave danger.

Illustration by Tom Levesley