Mane & Majesty

Lions are not called 'King of the Beasts' for nothing! As living remnants of an ancient lineage that once spanned continents, their social lives, evolutionary adaptations, and historical importance reflect a species that has evolved

- HRITHIK KIRAN BAGADE

World Lion Day on August 10 is an ode to the majestic big cat that has captivated humankind since civilisation times. For centuries, the lion has been a symbol of regality, strength and courage. From ancient cave paintings to royal crests, from the African Savannah to storybooks, the image of the lion looms large in human culture. Often dubbed the "King of the Beasts", lions hold a special place not only in the animal kingdom, but also in human imagination. But behind this regal reputation lies a complex and fascinating evolutionary history.

From their ancient ancestors to their modern descendants, lions have evolved, adapted, and spread across vast landscapes, some surviving, others vanishing into extinction.

Prehistoric origins The story of the lion begins millions of years ago in the late Miocene epoch, around 10 to 5 million years ago. Lions, along with other big cats, are part of the Felidae family, which traces its roots back to early carnivorous mammals. The earliest known lion-like cats emerged from Africa and parts of Eurasia, and they likely evolved from the genus Panthera, which also includes tigers, leopards, jaguars, and snow leopards.