I am pretty sure this male African Lion at the San Diego Zoo isn't actually sleeping as after this shot was taken I took another one from a different angle and he was looking at me. He must just be attempting to make the humans go away by closing his eyes. I wasn't able to focus out the mesh of the enclosure as well in those shots however.

There was also a beautiful female in the enclosure, who the zoo keepers later gave a cardboard box full of treats. They explained that this was done to stimulate the lioness' mind, forcing her to find a way to open the box to get to the treats. They say they do this with many of the animals.


The African Lion is found in parts of Africa and one part of India, and is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.


---Equipment---
Nikon D40
Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm # ED DX AF-S VR Lens
Kenko SL-39 UV Filter