The Romans used Barbary lions in the Colosseum to battle with gladiators. Male Barbary lion, Qays, at Belfast Zoo's Kingdom of the Barbary Lion. Barbary lions were once native to North Africa, including the Atlas Mountains but are now extinct in the wild. The last recorded Barbary lion was shot in Morocco in 1942. However, the Barbary lion, the most sought-after species, survived the persecution.

Source: Irish Examiner February 29, 2024 18:04 UTC