WILD THINGS: “The Lion King” has renewed...

WILD THINGS: “The Lion King” has renewed interest in real-life wild things at Orange County’s zoos and petting pens, where more than 800 animals reside. . . . None of them are the shaggy-maned big cats that star in the movie, but an orphaned mountain lion cub that arrived a month ago has become the hottest ticket at the Orange County Zoo in Irvine Regional Park. More than 860 people entered the name-the-cub contest that ended Sunday. The most popular name, because of the movie, has been Simba, said director Forrest de Spain.”But we’ll be encouraging unique names when the final decision is made in a few days.”

HOME ON THE RANGE: Until 10 years ago the county was home to the bigger lions--and lots of them. African lions and tigers were among 300 animals roaming the hills at Lion Country Safari, a 100-acre reserve that closed in 1984. . . . At its peak, it was hosting 2 million visitors annually who observed wildlife from inside their vehicles. But attendance dropped and the park owner decided the land near Irvine Meadows Amphitheater would yield more profit as a water-themed attraction.

SLOW DOWN: Knott’s Berry Farm is probably better known for jam and Camp Snoopy. But long before the comic strip pooch arrived at the Buena Park farm, there was a tortoise named Herbie (as in the “Love Bug” movie). At 72, hard-shelled Herbie dominates the barnyard and should live another 25 years--giving him a lot of seniority among the park’s 360 animals. But “the exotic animal show is still the biggest draw,” said park spokesman Bob Ochsner.

MONKEY TOWN: The Santa Ana Zoo is the county’s biggest, with 300 creatures, and home to the world’s largest rodent species, the Capybara. It grows up to 120 pounds--not your garden variety rat--and “they’re not the most beautiful animals in the world, but they’re excellent swimmers,” said Zoo Director Ron Grazier. South American species, including 50 primates, are the zoo’s specialty, and 25,000 to 30,000 people visit monthly., Added Grazier: “It is definitely our busy season now.”