Lion Gorge
Open
9:00am - 4:30pm every day
Lions Keeper Talk
12.30pm every day
Roar with big cats and howl with African Wild Dogs on our magnificent carnivores trail: Lion Gorge. Come face-to-face with some of our most impressive carnivores (and one or two omnivores), including tigers, lions, Snow Leopards, and the Philippine Crocodile – the most endangered of its species. Compare toothy grins, and learn about their habitats and survival threats as you wander this leafy walkway.
African Wild Dog
One of the most social of all mammals, the African Wild Dog is an alert and agile hunter. It is also an endurance runner, able to pursue prey for many kilometres. This endangered animal lives in highly organised, tightly-knit packs in the southern part of Africa.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Lion
Lions live in sub-Saharan Africa, with a small population in India’s Gir Forest. Males dominate the pride but generally, it's the females who hunt to feed them. The size of the male’s mane indicates his strength and virility, but now, even the king of the jungle is classed as vulnerable in the wild.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Philippine Crocodile
The Philippine Crocodile lives in fresh water marshes, ponds, creeks and rivers. They're a small crocodile, but they can still grow up to three metres. Golden-brown when young, they become darker as they age. Melbourne Zoo is working with local groups in the Philippines to protect this critically endangered crocodile.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Coati
Coatis belong to the larger raccoon family and are native to South America. They're skilled tree climbers and use their long tails as balancing rods. However, they mostly feed on the ground. Coatis have a mischievous nature. The males tend to stick to themselves while the females like to socialise.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard is one of the world's most elusive and solitary animals. They live in harsh mountain environments in countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia including India, China and Nepal. Their thick, patterned fur coat keeps them warm and helps them to blend into their rocky habitat.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Sumatran Tiger
Zoos around the world, including ours, are fighting to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger. It is the smallest of all tigers, but their size assists them in hunting through the dense, tropical forests of Indonesia.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devils are the largest carnivorous marsupials in the world.
Conservation Status
Endangered