Of all the creatures who preside over the African plains, the lion reigns supreme. Don’t be fooled by these lazy scenes: Lions are an apex predator, which means they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By dominating the top of the local food chain, they help regulate a healthy herbivore population which, in turn, supports grass and vegetation growth. However, even our apex predators are vulnerable. There are half as many African lions than there were 25 years ago, and they have been reduced to living on only 8% of the land they once dominated. The challenges they face are many and varied, but humans are the common denominator, driving activities such as hunting, poaching, habitat loss, and resultant human-wildlife conflict. We’re working hard to forge a future for lions here in Kenya, from protecting the habitats they call home, to tracking down threats to their survival and offering lifesaving veterinary treatment and translocations to individuals in need. Your support helps us forge a future for lions. If you feel inspired to make a donation in honor of #WorldLionDay, please visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate —— Video © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #SWT #lion #bigcat #kenya #protect