Meet Jumbe and Shaka, the Lion Brothers of the National Zoo! From what I've been told, Shaka is the dominant of the coalition, with Jumbe following his lead. Although he comes with a grouchy personality, the regal feline still shows signs of being a sweetheart with care specialists and his sibling - Unlike the Cheetah, these two are true big cats. Despite their flat head, massive stature, and elegant mane, they possess one ability that seperates them from other wild cats: a larynx with large vocal cords covered in a fibro-elastic pad. This enables the Lion, and other members in the Panthera phylogenetic tree to roar. However, the larynx is developed more complex than that of a Tigers or Leopards. Lions have square-shapped folds, with a larger surface area and increased mass. Giving the Lion power needed to vocalize their presence, they make coalitions/prides are aware of their presence - #transvaallion #southernlion #southernafricanlion #eastsouthernafricalion #africanlion #lion #panthera #pantheraleo #pantheraleokrugeri #southernsubspecies #bigcat #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifephotography #animal #nature #conservation #savingspecies #endextinction #smithsoniannationalzoologicalpark #smithsoniansnationalzooandconservationbiologyinstitute #nationalzoo #greatcats #planetzoo #thelionking