Barbary Lion: The Legend of the Atlas Mountains
The Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo), also known as the Atlas lion, is an extinct-in-the-wild subspecies that once roamed the mountainous regions of North Africa. Known for its imposing size and dark, thick mane that extended down its body, the Barbary lion is considered one of the largest lion subspecies to have ever existed.
Today, descendants of Barbary lions are preserved in zoos through careful breeding programs. These majestic lions symbolize resilience and the importance of protecting wildlife from extinction. Visitors marvel at their historical significance, often associating them with ancient Roman gladiator games and royal emblems of Morocco.