# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DNLb3laspUX
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33234503-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/9c066d4f77.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-08-10T14:58:01.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

It’s #WorldLionDay 🦁

Sadly, and as we mark this important day, it’s estimated that between 20,000-30,000 are left in the wild, with them being listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In particular, the lion population has undergone a reduction of approximately 43% over the past 21 years and is at risk due to human-lion conflict, poaching and disease. Your Toronto Zoo continues working hard to help fight extinction and to reverse this trend, all while helping many vulnerable and endangered species around the world. Without our help, lion populations may never recover.

We’re proud to mark this iconic animal themed day alongside our partners at SAFE. Did you know? As part of the AZA SAFE African Lion program, your Toronto Zoo supports Wildlife Conservation Network in their efforts to support a future for African wildlife and their habitats. Here close to home, the Lion species act as important ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

As members of AZA's SAFE African Lion program, we are focused on working with communities to reinforce connected landscapes and supporting coexistence-focused, African-led projects - all while helping to increase wild lion populations. 

Journey through the Africa Savanna before? Here at your Zoo, we are thankful to have three Lions who act as important ambassadors for their wild counterparts. If you haven’t met them as yet, Wildlife Care can describe them as:

🦁 Fintan: Protective, Social and Lovable (Male, 14)
🦁 Makali: Spicy, Cunning and Loyal (Female, 13)
🦁 Lemon: Playful, Laid-back and affectionate (Female, 13)

We're excited to celebrate World Lion Day and as Guardians of Wild, we will continue to step up our efforts as we protect this iconic cat species. Learn more about steps you can take to join us in our protection efforts. #SAFESpecies

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## Tags

safespecies, worldlionday

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