D&D 3.5 Druid < 10th Lvl NPC with two dire lions: Can it be done?

[scarmiglionne4]

Could a Druid have two pet Dire Lions? I am using a variant without Wild Shape. Summon nature's ally has too short a duration. I just want my NPC Druid to have two pet Dire Lions for an encounter.

[Greenish]

Sure, it's called Handle Animal.

[scarmiglionne4]

That's all I thought I would need. Thanks.