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.�