Atlas lions
Here are videos of the Moroccan Atlas lions in the national zoo of Rabat (the capital of Morocco)
The Atlas lion, also known as the Barbary lion, is a subspecies of lion that is native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Historically, the Atlas lion was found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, as well as in parts of Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. However, due to habitat loss and hunting, the Atlas lion is now considered to be extinct in the wild. The last wild Atlas lion was killed in 1922.
The Atlas lion is considered to be the largest subspecies of lion, with males weighing up to 600 pounds and females weighing up to 400 pounds. They had a distinctive appearance, with a mane that extended down to the belly and had a reddish-brown color, and a coat that was paler than other lion subspecies.
Atlas lions were considered to be powerful and majestic animals and have played a significant role in Moroccan culture and history. They were often depicted in art and literature and were considered to be symbols of strength and power. The lion was also an important symbol in the royal coat of arms of Morocco and is still used as a national symbol today.
However, due to human activities such as hunting, habitat loss and poaching, the population of atlas lions decline dramatically and it was declared extinct in the wild by the 1940s. The last wild Atlas lion was killed in 1922.
However, there are small populations of Atlas lions in captivity around the world, which are considered to be important for the preservation of the genetic diversity of the Atlas lion.
One of the most notable captive populations of Atlas lions is located in the Rabat Zoo in Morocco. The zoo has been actively working to conserve the Atlas lion subspecies, and as of 2021, it is reported to have 37 atlas lions in captivity.
The zoo's breeding program aims to preserve the genetic diversity of the Atlas lion and also to reintroduce them in the wild. These 37 lions at Rabat zoo are considered to be the last remaining purebred Atlas lions, as they are the descendants of the last wild Atlas lions that were caught in the 1920s and brought to the zoo.
The zoo's breeding program is important not only for the preservation of the subspecies but also for the education of the public. Visitors to the zoo can learn about the history and biology of the Atlas lion, as well as the conservation efforts being made to protect this subspecies.
It's important to note that not all the lions in captivity that are labeled as Atlas lions, are purebred, as there has been a lot of interbreeding with other lion subspecies over the years. Hence, the population of 37 lions in the Rabat zoo is considered to be the most genetically pure population of the Atlas lions.
In conclusion, the Rabat zoo in Morocco is home to a population of 37 purebred Atlas lions, which is considered to be one of the most important captive populations of this subspecies. The zoo's breeding program aims to preserve the genetic diversity of the Atlas lion and also to reintroduce them in the wild. These lions represent the last remaining purebred Atlas lions, and the zoo's efforts to conserve this subspecies is vital for its preservation.
