The majestic lion – known as the King of the Jungle… despite not actually living in the jungle.
They’re fierce apex predators that symbolize strength and courage for cultures all around the world.
But before they grow into these regal powerhouses, they’re pretty darn cute.
A newborn lion cub only weighs about 3 pounds! They’re positively cuddly and it’s easy to forget that their little teeth will one day be sharp enough to take down an entire gazelle.
This lion cub was part of a zoo program, geared towards educating school kids. When the students gathered round, he tried to show off his skills and impress them with a big roar.
And… well, he tried.
Lions can’t usually muster a full on roar until they’re about two years old, but this is proof that they don’t let it stop them from getting lots of practice until that time!
This little guy’s roar sounds more like a squeak or a cry for the time being. Everyone around him is audibly swooning over his attempt at being a tough guy, and he’s looking around confused.
Why aren’t they running away in fear?
It doesn’t shake his spirit and he tries again.
For now, he has zoo-goers and YouTube viewers wanting to cuddle him and pinch his little cheeks. That little squeak is too cute!
But one day he’ll be able to strike fear into the hearts of other animals for miles around.
Lions may not be the biggest of the big cats, they’re actually smaller than tigers if you can believe it. But they do have the loudest roar.
A lion’s roar is so loud and so fear inducing, it can be heard up to five miles away!
Size isn’t everything – even in the animal kingdom.
Though don’t get me wrong, this little guy will still grow up to be around 500 pounds!
Zoos can be controversial, but programs like this one are important towards helping the general public get behind animal conservation.
There were once half a million lions roaming the earth, but due to hunting, building, and other human-lead factors, there are now only about 30,000 across the globe.
So for kids to be able to visit the zoo and see adorable animals like this one in real life, it really helps to build a connection and understanding of their importance in the giant eco-system of the world.
The Toronto Zoo has commented on the value of their conservation program:
“Because citizen knowledge and cooperation is of immeasurable value to successful conservation programs, conservation and education often go hand-in-hand at the Toronto Zoo.”
And other zoos around the world help educate, as well as protect and re-populate endangered animal species.
Lions aren’t yet on that endangered list, but they aren’t far off, they’re currently listed as vulnerable.
But cutie pies like this one here are teaching people all about lions, building connections, and helping to warm the hearts of people all around the world.
This little ‘roar’ has been heard more than 15 million times through YouTube. Click the video below to hear this lion cub give his best!
Prepare to be scared, very very scared.
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