Raven: How long do lions generally live for? How many litters will a female have in her lifetime?
Peter Gros: I think the record for lions in captivity is 23 years; in the wild, anywhere from 10 to 15 years. They usually have two or three cubs in a litter, and can have several litters a year, which is nature's way of making sure some of the cubs survive.

Xander: What are some previous adaptations that have been witnessed in lions prior to their learning to swim?
Peter Gros: A historic hypothesis: If you feel the tail of an adult male African lion — which I'm sure many of you haven't! — there's a small sharp barb or hook that experts used to think was used by male lions to whip themselves into anger before they defended their territory to do battle with other males. Since the fittest and most powerful tend to survive in the wild, the lions have developed very large manes, not only to appear very large, but to protect the most vulnerable area around their throat and neck when they challenge each other to fight. The soft padded feet are ideal for silent stalking, as well as good traction when chasing prey in sandy areas. There is a large dew claw, slightly up the paw, which is ideal for removing a large chunk of meat from the lion's throat. If it's lodged there, he can reach in there and pull it out.

Meghan: Is it harder for the lions to catch their prey in the water than on land?
Peter Gros: Yes, and I think it is because they lost the element of surprise they had being able to crawl hidden in the tall grasses of the dry savanna. Lions make short, fast bursts of speed to catch their prey by surprise. If you don't have the camouflage of long tall grass and must sneak up through water, you're exposed to cold water and it's much harder to do. Animals burn a lot more calories when they're cold and have to race through deep water and then eventually drag soggy, wet prey. It's important to burn as few calories as possible, since a long time may pass before the next nourishment is available.

Cleo: How do the lions handle the coldness of the water? Does their fur or body fat help to insulate them?
Peter Gros: The additional thickness of the fur does help, since it traps more air. And the body fat helps as well. However, it is much more stressful to survive in that climate as a cold, wet lion.

Alexia: Do lions usually have any enemies? Since they've started swimming, have they gained any enemies?
Peter Gros: Lion cubs can become more vulnerable when they're completely exposed while swimming across flood plains. But in many parts of Africa, man is still a great threat to the lions.

Sky: How are Sadu and her cubs doing now? Has anything changed?
Peter Gros: As far as I know, they're doing fine, although I haven't been in touch with the Winterbachs recently. That would be a good question for their Web site, www.taucon.com.