About Adopting Lions
The lion population throughout the world is declining and some species of lions are on the endangered species list due to hunting and habitat encroachment.
Lion adoption programs can be an exciting way to donate money that will go towards research and conservation projects and help keep these wonderful animals around for many generations to come.
The Facts
Lions are known as the "king of the jungle" and are males are recognized by the thick, majestic mane that circles their heads. Lions are unique in the cat family because they are a social group who live in "prides" with up to 15 other lions. A pride consists of mostly female lionesses, which also do all the hunting for the group, and the males are extremely territorial.
The lion populations worldwide have been cut in half since the 1950s. With aggressive hunting practices and habitat destruction, lions have struggled to maintain their population levels in the wild.
Lions could once be found in all parts of Africa but now are limited to the South Sahara Desert and to small parts of southern and eastern Africa.
Lion adoption programs help concerned animal lovers to support research and conservation projects by paying the adoption fee and staying up to date on issues that are affecting the species.
The Asiatic lion is currently the only subspecies that is listed as endangered, however, without drastic measures taken to preserve and protect the species, many other subspecies are also at risk.
Risk Factors
It is important to do some research to be sure that the organization is legitimate before paying any money to donate to lion preservation. Be sure that the organization is putting your money towards research or conservation projects that you feel good about. Look into how much of your money goes towards helping to preserve the species and how much of it goes towards maintaining the organization.
Benefits
Money that is raised through lion adoption programs goes towards conservation efforts all over the world. Money may be spent on research to help us learn more about lions and determine more effective ways to preserve the species.
Adopting a lion makes a wonderful gift for animal lovers and children. Giving the gift of a lion adoption to a child can help raise her awareness of issues that affect lions today and instill in her a love for animals that will last a lifetime.
Most lion preservation programs will give you a photo of the lion you have adopted, some general information about the species, a lion adoption certificate and information on how you can help the species.
Type
Choosing the organization that you want to support by adoption a lion is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Organizations can vary quite a bit so you will want to be sure that the one you choose fits your ideals and expectations. Many zoos offer animal adoption programs that help support the upkeep of that species at the zoo.
Since most zoos have animal breeding programs, adopting a lion through the zoo will help support research efforts that will be shared with other breeding and wildlife programs throughout the world. There are also many research organizations that will allow you to adopt a lion to support their efforts.
Significance
Animal conservation projects around the world need support from concerned citizens of the world. Without the financial support they need to continue their efforts, they cannot continue research and conservation projects. There are many ways to support the continued efforts of conservation organizations. Adopting a lion is one way that we can contribute to the conservation efforts.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park, a pioneer in lion breeding programs, allows visitors to adopt a lion. Adoption fees go towards buying treats, toys and supplies for the lions so that the Wild Animal Park can put it's own funds towards further research to preserve the species in the wild.
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