Nature’s symphony is unparalleled. The wind’s howl, the waves’ crash, and the myriad sounds made by animals, both large and small, leave us in awe.
To truly appreciate this, one must simply pause and listen.
Zoos often spark debate due to the captivity of animals that ideally belong in the wild. Yet, proponents argue that zoos provide an opportunity to study these creatures, raise awareness, and educate children.
One lion, however, seems indifferent to this controversy. At Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, a majestic lion commands attention from atop a rock.
His deep, rumbling roars echo through the zoo, leaving visitors spellbound. The sound is so powerful that if you closed your eyes, you might mistake it for a revving V8 engine or a large truck. But it’s the lion, in all his splendor.
Viewer @melissakennedy1506 shares his backstory: “I have visited him many times. He was born in captivity and can’t be released into the wild. He was born as a circus lion and later abandoned. He likes his home and seems to love to perform. He roars on his rock several times a day. I remember a local report on him during quarantine that he was acting depressed and was one of their animals that were confused and upset about losing their audiences.” This lion, therefore, doesn’t mind not being in the wild.
Children are particularly captivated by lions, and it’s easy to see why. Besides the allure of “The Lion King,” lions have long symbolized courage and strength. Their impressive manes and thunderous roars, audible up to five miles away, add to their majestic appeal.
An adult lion’s yellow-gold coat is iconic, and only males typically sport manes, enhancing their regal appearance. As this lion roars, it’s almost as if he’s performing for his audience. Another observer noted, “You don’t truly understand just how loud this is until you hear it in person. Even from a distance like this, it sounds like the roar is coming from every direction around you, and you feel it in your chest.”
Sadly, this seems to have been a disturbing pattern that must be addressed. To protect future animals and provide him with the support he needs, he must be banned from ever owning animals again and undergo mandatory counseling.
The lion’s roar serves to intimidate potential prey. The sheer bass and vibration could shake the courage of any wildebeest or gazelle. Imagine being in the wild, hearing such a roar without knowing its source—where would you run? For a cinematic depiction, watch “The Ghost and the Darkness.”
This lion’s roar is truly epic, a testament to why he is called the king of the jungle.
