Lions

With the Predators entrance plaza and its traditional African village behind you, the sights and sounds of human habitation fade as you begin your journey through the realm of the Predators of the Serengeti.

Around the corner, huge granite boulders called kopjes jut from the earth. These rock formations are common on the Serengeti plains. At the foot of one kopje, cast in bronze, stands a life-size lion pride: A large male walks with two lionesses and three cubs — a beautiful tribute to these majestic creatures. At the kopje outcropping is the Lion Overlook — the first glimpse of lions. As you stand looking over a grassy depression, you now have an unobstructed view of the Serengeti plains, where lions slumber in the tall grass. After the Overlook, you walk down the Roaring Canyon, which evokes the canyons and gorges of Africa's Rift Valley. Along the walls, ancient rock art adorns the pathway. The primal heartbeat of drumming transports you to a more primitive time.

As you leave the Roaring Canyon, a large walk-in den brings you nose-to-whisker with the lions. Thankfully, a thick glass window separates you from Africa's fiercest predators. The lions enjoy lying next to this window because it's their covered den and has heated rocks that the cats love to sprawl on.

The exhibit's signs encourage imagination, suggesting that you observe the lions and make field notes, just as a wildlife biologist would do on the real Serengeti. Viewing screens inside help illustrate how lions hunt — comparing and contrasting the lions' techniques with those of other African predators. Here you can see firsthand what works when it comes to successful team hunting strategies.

A zookeeper arrives on the scene for a talk about these huge predators. She pulls up an overhead door and you're amazed that the keeper is standing face to face with one of the largest land predators on the planet. Thankfully, a mesh screen protects her from the powerful animal. She begins to feed the lions and answer your questions. Seeing the keeper next to this enormous animal leaves you in awe.