It takes me 3 elixers to level roughly, and im sure I wont get my last lion before levelling for 1.5 hours getting 125.I though lions were need at 125. I agree that the spawn and drop rate might not be perfect but I think you should probably just start leveling in the area for a while. Maye you will get it before you hit 125.
Try it you might get lucky. The point is there is a lot to *** about but starting to *** before hitting the quest level is a bit much in my mind. Opinions vary.
Enjoy!
Tocuh