Main characters •
Zill is the
alpha male (and only adult male) of the
pride. Though usually mild-mannered, he begins to show signs of aggression and proves to be a competent fighter. •
Safa is an old lioness who is blind in one eye and has a torn ear. She has become accustomed to captivity and views the human advantage of their new freedom. It is implied that she once used to be Zill's mate. •
Noor is a younger lioness, mother to Ali, and Zill's current mate. She longs for freedom from the zoo. She and Safa rarely agree, and they often fight verbally. •
Ali is Noor's young cub.
Secondary characters •
Bukk is a lion from Safa's past. • '''Bukk's brothers''' appear in Safa's memory about her past. •
An unnamed sea turtle who speaks with Safa and Ali about
Gulf War. •
Fajer is a blood-thirsty bear who challenges the group. •
Rashid is a tortured pet lion on the verge of death. While never stated in the story, it is likely that Rashid belonged to
Saddam Hussein's son
Uday, who was known for keeping lions as pets. == Reception ==