Big Cats
The tiger, lion, jaguar and leopard are classically known as Big Cats and are the only cats able to roar. A more expansive definition of the term also includes the cheetah, snow leopard, clouded leopard and cougar. They typically have strong sharp claws and well developed prominent canine teeth. All cats are carnivores, surviving on diets consisting mainly or exclusively of meat. Big Cats are apex predators, meaning they hunt other animals and have no predators of their own. Apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Chester Zoo is home to four magnificent species of Big Cats.
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Asiatic Lions
Asiatic Lions once ranged from the Mediterranean to north-east India. There may now be as few as 350 individuals remaining in the wild.
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Cheetah
Find out why cheetahs are able to sprint so fast and how quickly they can accelerate to a speed of 60mph.
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Jaguar
Jaguars have golden coats with intricate patterns of black spots, ringed by dark rosettes.
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Sumatran Tiger
With just 350-500 individuals thought to remain in the wild, the Sumatran Tiger is Critically Endangered.
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