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Symbol of kings and empires, the Persian lion is a subspecies of lion that roamed from the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent. As a symbol, the lion represented majesty, power, and courage throughout the Middle East and Europe. Today this panthera leo persica, or persian lion has become very rare and can only be found in the Gir forests in the Gujarat state of west India (see distribution map) where it is quickly disappearing. The Persian lion differs from the larger African lion, or panthera leo leo in physical size, smaller hunting prides, less aggressive behavior, smaller prey, and the male having smaller manes on top of the head where the ears can be clearly seen on the Persian breed. Manes serve to protect the lion's neck when fighting with a new male candidate to the pride. The separation genetically from the African lion seems to have occurred around 100,000 years ago and the Asiatic and African lions are still able to breed with each other. For more information about the panthera leo persica from the early 19th century see http://www.geocities.com/jaffacity/Asiatic_Lion.html.

The Persian lion has been portrayed in Middle Eastern art, literature, jewelry, vessels, seals, coins, flags and national emblems, heraldry, architecture, wall drawings and carvings and in woven carpets from ancient times to the present. Such lion ornamentation is found as far back as 3000 BCE starting in Sumeria. Firdowsi mentions in the epic Shahnameh or list of ancient Iranian kings that the great hero Rostam had a lion as his symbol in ancient Iran.

Seen here is Artaxerxes II (436-358 BCE) honoring the goddess Anahita who is standing on a Lion with the Sun behind them <http://www.cais-soas.com/News/2006/December2006/30-12.htm>

Present Dilemna

The extent of the current population of panthera leo persica, the Persian lion also known as the Asiatic lion or Indian lion is merely 200 lions in the Gir Forests of the Gujarati Province in India. Additionally, there are over 200 Asian lions in zoos worldwide, but the zoo lions are genetically limited causing inbreeding and are often hybrid with African lions. Obviously, the Persian lion is nearly extinct.

In addition to dwindling in zoos and being hunted and shot in the Gir forests, we also hear In the media reports from zoos in Iraq and Afghanistan where the mighty lions are suffering great indignities, starving, rocks thrown at them and receiving poor medical care. The symbol of ancient kings and empires has become a joke to be taunted, teased and killed by the modern human populace who once revered this mighty king.

Lion from the Babylonian Ishtar Gate built by King Nebuchadnezzar II ca. 575 BCE.
The lion represented the goddess Ishtar



Lion from the walls of Darius I's Palace
in the Persian city of Susa ca. 510 BCE



Illustration from Kalilah va Dimnah
Herat 1429