Lions eat primarily meat as obligate carnivores, relying almost exclusively on animal flesh for nutrition. Their diet mainly consists of medium to large- sized ungulates such as zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and various antelopes. They also opportunistically hunt smaller mammals like warthogs, hares, and birds, and sometimes reptiles and insects. Lions can scavenge and will steal kills from other predators. In captivity, their diet includes commercially sourced meats like beef, chicken, and sometimes whole carcasses to provide necessary nutrients.
Typical Lion Prey
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Buffaloes
- Antelopes (like impala, springbok, kudu)
- Warthogs
- Juvenile or weak giraffes
Opportunistic and Additional Food Sources
- Smaller mammals (hares, porcupines, mongooses)
- Birds (ostriches, vultures)
- Reptiles (crocodiles, tortoises)
- Fish (occasionally, when available)
- Carrion from scavenging other predators
Feeding Habits
- Lions eat several kilograms of meat daily (lionesses 5-8.5 kg, males 7-10 kg)
- Can gorge up to 40 kg in one meal to last several days
- Spend much time resting to conserve energy for hunting
Captive Diet
- Raw beef, chicken, horse meat
- Bones and whole prey for enrichment and jaw exercise
- Supplements to meet nutritional needs
Lions are highly adapted carnivores that derive essential nutrients solely from meat and play a key role as apex predators in their ecosystems.
