Protecting the Big Cats

Throughout the years, the look of the historic Kovler Lion House has changed, but the sounds, the echoing roars of the exotic cats housed here, have remained the same.

Big cats have long been surrounded by a special mystique mingled with fear and respect. Most are solitary hunters, sitting at the top of many food pyramids with few predators except man.

Cats like snow leopards and Siberian tigers have been hunted into near extinction, victims of their own beauty and humans' desire for their coats. Athletic, agile hunters, big cats have evolved with specific physical adaptations for catching large prey. Incredible night vision and striped, spotted or otherwise camouflaged coats that allow them to blend into their surroundings enable them to stalk and surprise prey.

While cats have adapted to a variety of habitats from snowy tundras to parched grasslands, they are now facing encroaching human population and habitat destruction virtually everywhere. For many big cats, zoos and captive breeding programs are their only hope.

 

Lions have long been a part of Lincoln Park Zoo history. African lions were first exhibited here in the late 1800's and over the years, hundreds of cubs have been born here. The lion is the most social of the big cats, generally living in large groups called prides. Adult males rarely participate in hunting, leaving the task to females who, without the majestic mane, are less conspicuous. Protecting territory and the other members of his pride is the chief duty of the male lion.

The fastest animals on land, cheetahs can run up to 60 miles per hour. They may stalk prey for a few seconds or several hours until they are within 100 feet and the chase begins. Cheetahs have limited endurance and need enough natural cover to hide and stalk effectively. These endangered cats are native to Africa.

Unlike many of its feline relatives, the jaguar is not a sprinter, but has the distinction of being a better swimmer than most cats. It will, in fact, follow its prey into water, making a catch while swimming. Native to tropical rainforest areas of Central and South America, jaguars are endangered.

The smallest cats in the Lion House, servals are the best jumpers, with the ability to leap more than six feet in order to catch birds. Their long legs and neck help them find food as they peer out across the tall grass of their home in African savannas. In addition to their tremendous leaping ability, servals are excellent climbers and will climb when threatened.

Peek in on the cats via the Lion House Live-Cam.

Species Data Sheets: