The Zoo in Forest Park, located in one of Springfield’s most scenic and beloved parks, is always filled with interesting animals that await your visit. The big news lately is the arrival of Samson, a two-month old male African Lion who was born in Tennessee. He was relocated to Kalahari Zoo in Sandusky, Ohio where plans were made to create a permanent habitat exhibit space suitable for a lion. In the meantime he needed a place to stay, so John Lewis, executive Director of the Zoo in Forest Park, agreed to go collect the little guy and keep him here for the season. Once October comes, the Zoo will have the option to attempt to fund a permanent structure for Samson so he can stay in Springfield and survive the New England climate, but support and fundraising will be essential for this endeavor to work. Click here if you’d like more information, or to make a donation. The Zoo is open every day, 10am-4pm on weekdays, and 10am – 5pm on weekends. Grab the kids, a camera and make a day of it…and go meet little Samson. In honor of him, let’s look at 5 Great facts about lions...
1. The largest lion was recorded to be nearly 700 pounds and nearly 11 foot long, and the oldest lion on record was nearly 29 years old.
2. A lion's eyesight is five times better than a human being. Not only that, they can hear prey from a mile away, and their sense of smell tells them how long it was in the area.
3. A lion's roar can be heard from five miles away.
4. Lions can go four days without drinking, but they can drink for as long as 20 minutes after eating. Incidentally, the male eats first, even if the female has caught the prey.
5. There is less than 50,000 lions in the world today. Their average lifespan is 13 years.
The trees are blooming, the weather’s warmer and it’s time to hit the road and explore! Make plans to get out and be a tourist in your own backyard. Click here to order a free copy of the “2012-2013 Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley Visitor Guide.” Then click on our WOW Values bubble to take advantage of some great discounts at top spots.