World Lion Day: 12 stunning images of lions in the wild

There are fewer than 20,000 lions left in the wild
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The lion has always been the most revered of the big cats, and the animal everyone hopes to spot when they go on safari.

But in the past century, numbers of wild lions living on the African continent have dwindled from 200,000 to 20,000, according to big cat conservation charity, Panthera.

Ahead of World Lion Day (on Monday, August 10), the New Big 5 project has released some stunning images of lions in the wild to celebrate the brilliant animal and highlight Panthera’s Project Leonardo.

Project Leonardo looks to ensure the long-term survival of lions on the african continent by increasing the total population of lions by 50 per cent over the next 15 years to at least 30,000 lions.

Panthera Lion Program Director, Dr. Paul Funston says: “As we celebrate another World Lion Day, pausing to acknowledge this extraordinary wild animal, we must also recognise the particularly fragile state of this species. With fewer than 20,000 remaining in the wild, lions are disappearing right before our very eyes. Urgent action from the global community through financial support of lion range states and conservation organizations like Panthera to protect these wild cats is one of the most critical ways in which we can help to grow, rather than lose, Africa’s lions by World Lion Day 2021.”

Elie Wolf via www.newbig5.com

Graeme Green, British wildlife photographer and New Big 5 project founder, adds: “Lions are one of my favourite animals to photograph and to spend time with. It’s impossible to imagine Africa without lions. As well as being incredible animals and wildlife icons, they’re also vital to the natural balance and the future of Africa. That’s why for World Lion Day 2020 the New Big 5 project is working to help raise money for Panthera’s important work to ensure the long-term survival of African lions and to increase their numbers across the continent.”

Click through the gallery to see some incredible images of lions in the wild. For more information on the New Big 5 visit, newbig5.com and for information on Project Leonardo, visit: panthera.org.