Austin Zoo celebrates 2 lions’ 10th birthday

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two lions at the Austin Zoo celebrated a milestone Wednesday.

The zoo threw a party Wednesday morning celebrating lions Sango and Jelani’s 10th birthday.

The zoo gave the pair birthday wishes right outside their habitat. There were presents and those in attendance even sang “Happy Birthday” to them.

Sango and Jelani are two of four African Lions at the Austin Zoo, according to a Facebook post from the zoo.

There are an estimated 23,000-39,000 lions remaining in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which lists the species as vulnerable.

Fun facts about lions, per the Austin Zoo, include the following:

• A lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles away

• Only male lions have a large mane, but they can lose it after being neutered.

• Lions are the only cats that live in groups. These groups are called prides.

• Lionesses do most of the hunting and the males defend the territory.

• Like most cats, lions are nocturnal, sleeping around 21 hours a day.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.