<p>An African lion cub rests in the tall grasses of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Once ranging across the African continent and into Syria, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and even northwest India, lions have declined to as few as 20,000 animals from about 450,000 just 50 years ago.</p> <p><b>Big Cats Initiative</b><br> <i>National Geographic is working to avert the extinction of lions, tigers, and other big cats with the <a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats/" target="_blank">Big Cats Initiative</a>, a comprehensive program that supports innovative projects. Learn how you can help save these animals.</i></p> <p><i> </i></p> <p><i>For just $5, you can help save big cats by uploading a photo of your little kitty <a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats/little-kitties/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></p> <p><i>&nbsp;</i></p>

African Lion Cub

An African lion cub rests in the tall grasses of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Once ranging across the African continent and into Syria, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and even northwest India, lions have declined to as few as 20,000 animals from about 450,000 just 50 years ago.

Big Cats Initiative
National Geographic is working to avert the extinction of lions, tigers, and other big cats with the Big Cats Initiative, a comprehensive program that supports innovative projects. Learn how you can help save these animals.

For just $5, you can help save big cats by uploading a photo of your little kitty here.

 

Photograph by Beverly Joubert

Big Cat Cubs

See pictures of big cat cubs (including tigers, lions, and leopards) in this photo gallery from National Geographic.

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