Philadelphia Zoo Lionesses Up Close

The lionesses are up close to the glass in the lion viewing area of Big Cat Falls.

Yes, both white ones are females.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Philadelphia Zoo
• zoos
• lion
• lions
• lionesses
• white lioness
• Big Cat Falls
• winter
• February
• Saturday

[pentanol001]

Are u sure that both are females. I have never heard of a lioness with a mane, although there is a subspecies where the males are maneless in order to enhance their hunting abilities.

[ZooVisitorMM]

Yes, I am absolutely sure both are females.

Visitors are always amazed when they see what looks like two male lions together in an exhibit with lionesses.

The one female with the mane has a hormonal disorder associated with aging. Apparently this happens sometimes in the wild also - there is currently research being conducted to determine the exact causes.

[ZooVisitorMM]

@awesomeH2O Vinkel has the mane due to hormonal problems associated with aging. (But all three lionesses are probably menopausal.)

[pentanol001]

Funny, I guess it is a more severe form of a well known human hormonal disorder when old women start growing beards. :)

Those lions are beautiful, btw.

[MCxTwo]

They are gorgeous!!!