According to the Guinness World Records the oldest lion on record was “Catherine” who lived to be 34 years and 3 days old. Catherine was born in Sudan in 1934 and moved to South Africa in 1936. She lived at the Johannesburg Zoo until her death in 1968.
While 34 years is certainly a long life for a lion it’s not unheard of. The median life expectancy for a lion in captivity is between 15 and 20 years. In the wild however lions typically only live for around 10-14 years. So while Catherine was certainly an impressive lioness she wasn’t necessarily abnormal in terms of her longevity.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a lion’s long life in captivity. For one they are no longer subject to the dangers of the wild such as diseases predators and lack of food. They also receive regular medical care and attention from humans which can help to prevent and treat health problems.
It’s important to note however that not all lions in captivity live to a ripe old age. In fact many lion cubs don’t even make it to their first birthday. This is due to a variety of factors including disease malnutrition and abuse.
How long do lions live?
10-14 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.
How many hours a day do lions sleep?
Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day.
How many lions are left in the wild?
Fewer than 20000
How old is the oldest recorded lion?
29 years old
How many times can a lion mate in one day?
Up to 40 times
How long is a lion’s mane?
2-6 inches
What is the oldest age a lion has been recorded to live in the wild?
14 years old
How many lions are in a pride?
10-15
At what age do lions reach maturity?
2-4 years old
How fast can a lion run?
50 mph
How many times can a lion roar in a day?
11 times
What is the maximum number of offspring a lion can have?
8
How often do lions eat?
Every day or every other day
What is the oldest age a lion has been recorded to live in captivity?
20 years old
How much does a lion weigh?
Male lions weigh between 330-550 lbs while females weigh between 260-400 lbs.
