<p>A lion roams in <a href="http://chobenationalpark.co.za/">Chobe National Park</a>, a wildlife conservation area near Kasane, Botswana.</p>

Night Prowler

A lion roams in Chobe National Park, a wildlife conservation area near Kasane, Botswana.

Photograph by Frans Lanting, Nat Geo Image Collection

15 Intimate Portraits of Lions

Cecil’s death has focused attention on wildlife crime. Lions aren’t the only threatened species. But they may well be the most charismatic.

The recent killing of Cecil the Lion, just one of one of many illegally hunted big cats, has put new emphasis on the destructive force of wildlife crime. It has also inspired an increase in donations to wildlife conservation.

Monday is World Lion Day. To celebrate, we’ve compiled some of our favorite photos of lions. National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative is a comprehensive program that supports on-the-ground conservation to help ensure big cats in the wild don't disappear forever. Learn more and get involved at causeanuproar.org.

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