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Great Cats
The Great Cats exhibit on Lion/Tiger Hill features Sumatran tigers and African lions—living, breathing, roaring great cats. They are ambassadors for their wild relatives, and for the Zoo’s conservation and science initiatives for tigers, lions, and many other cats, which, even if not great in size, are still great!
Lions and tigers are on exhibit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., daily (weather permitting).
Tiger Update: Romance Is in the Air
Well the bad news is that Damai was not pregnant as a result of the single breeding during her last heat.
Read more
Lion Update: John Leaves for Cincinnati
Our young lion John is growing up and moving on!
Read more
Saving Lions in Zoos
SCBI and National Zoo scientists are using science to improve the ways lions live and breed in North American Zoos. Read about our lion research.
Adopt a lion or a whole litter of cubs!
The lion cams were generously provided by CGH Technologies, Inc. allowing viewers around the world to watch the lions and other wildlife at the Zoo.
New Genetics Research on Leopards and Tigers in India Underscores the Importance of Protecting Forest Corridors
As rapid economic expansion continues to shape the Asian landscape on which many species depend, time is running out for conservationists aiming to save wildlife such as tigers and leopards. Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have used genetic analysis to find that the natural forest corridors in India are essential to ensuring a future for these species. According to two studies recently published in two papers, these corridors are successfully connecting populations of tigers and leopards to ensure genetic diversity and gene flow. more
Fishing Cat Kittens Explore Their Yard
Visitors to the Smithsonian's National Zoo can now see its three-month-old fishing cat kittens exploring, playing, climbing and fishing on Asia Trail. more
Infrared illuminator for the lion cam donated by ANVS.
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Watching Lions:
The Zoo is home to ten lions: two adult female lions, Shera and Nababiep, one adult male lion, Luke, and seven cubs (four females and three males). Shera gave birth to four cubs in August 2010, and Naba had three cubs about three weeks later. Tigers are lions' closest relatives. Without their coats, lion and tiger bodies are so similar that only experts can tell them apart.
Lion Fact Sheet | Adopt a lion | 
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Lion Cubs 4W | Lion Cubs 5W | Lion Cubs 3W
Related Cams
Tiger Outside I
Lots of Cats
Cheetahs live at the Zoo's Cheetah Conservation Station. Tigers and lions live at Great Cats. Fishing cats and clouded leopards live on Asia Trail. Learn about cats at the Zoo.
Cat Conservation
Large or small, cats are graceful, specialized, and powerful animals. Yet, they are among the most endangered. Zoo conservation biologists are working with colleagues on lions’ home ground in Africa, and tigers’ in Asia, to develop the scientific understanding necessary for effective conservation. Zoo scientists are studying the ecology, behavior, and reproductive biology of tigers, lions, and many other cat species, including cheetahs, clouded leopards, and fishing cats.
