What type of zoo animal is Alex, the character in the "Madagascar" movies?

"Madagascar" is a 2005 American computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and released to theaters on May 27, 2005. The film tells the story of four animals from the Central Park Zoo who unexpectedly find themselves stranded on the island of Madagascar.

Alex (born as Alakay) is one of the main protagonists. He voiced by Ben Stiller as an adult and Quinn Dempsey Stiller as a cub.

Alex is an African lion and was the self-proclaimed king of the New York Central Park Zoo. Alex's birthday is November 30.

Alex loves the Zoo and was surprised when hearing Marty's wish to leave and live in the wild. As the main attraction of the Zoo, he is featured heavily on merchandise and gives an "Alex the Lion" snow globe and other merchandise to Marty for his birthday. He also shows an infatuation with steak, though later remarks that sushi tastes better.