North American AZA/SSP African Lion Population

Pride transferred from Busch Gardens to Potawatomi Zoo:

The second pride housed at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have been transferred to Potawatomi Zoo:

1.0 Kembe - born February 20th, 2013 at Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park (South Africa)

0.1 Shaba - born March 20th, 2013 at Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park (South Africa)

0.1 Shtuko - born March 20th, 2013 at Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park (South Africa)

 

I saw in my Google News that one of the female lions, Zuri, passed away at the Topeka Zoo. If I remember correctly, she was the lioness who grew a mane after her male companion's passing a few years ago, but might be confused.

Facebook has some good information:
"Over the past few months Zuri had been closely monitored due to the risk of kidney failure, a common ailment for geriatric cats of her age. A month ago, Zuri started experiencing increased symptoms, which accelerated in the past few days. Yesterday, Zuri was anesthetized for a veterinary exam that confirmed suspicions of kidney failure. The difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her.
'Zuri was truly a lioness in charge, and her strong and independent personality was evident to all who knew her,” says Shanna Simpson, Animal Curator. “ Zuri has always been a star in our hearts and we will miss her tremendously'
At 19 years old, Zuri and her sister Asante had surpassed the median life expectancy for African lions.
'Asante is facing her own age-related challenges,' continued Simpson. 'Especially because of the bond she shared with her sister, we will be extra attentive to Asante’s needs for the foreseeable future.'
The unfortunate passing of Zuri comes after the Topeka Zoo announced the arrival of 4-year-old male lion, Tatu on April 23.
'We are responsible for the wellbeing of the animals in our care through the entirety of their lifespan', said CEO Brendan Wiley. 'The addition of Tatu was a step to establish our next pride, knowing that our time with both Zuri and Asante would be limited. While we are saddened by losing Zuri, we know she made an incredible impact on our staff and guests during her time here.'"

According to other articles, Zuri stopped eating on Tuesday.

This is most unfortunate for Asante, losing her last companion, but I hope she remains healthy for a long time still.

 

You’re correct - Zuri was the lioness who grew a mane.

It’s a phenomenon I’ve seen several cases of in recent years - including two within my own region. Unfortunately like Zuri, neither of these lionesses survived for long after their diagnosis.

As you mentioned, Zuri was euthansied due to kidney failure, but a lioness growing a mane is caused by a hormone imbalance, which can be indicative of other medical issues.

It will be an adjustment for Asante. The zoo have recently received a male lion (Tatu), but stated due to the age of the lionesses, it’s unknown if he could share an exhibit with them.

 

People in the Busch Gardens Facebook groups were all up in arms about this happening, but it really makes a lot of sense, they don't need two prides at Busch IMO.

 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park has announced that Boma has been transferred there.

 

Can anyone share how the Oakland lion brothers are doing in terms of manes growing back in? I heard one has his mane growing back now and the other not yet.

 

According to @Julio C Castro in this thread San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Zoo Safari Park News 2023 Boma's name has officially been shortened to just "Bo".

 

Male lion transferred to Rolling Hills Zoo to head up pride:

Rolling Hills Zoo Welcomes New Lion to the Pride

Oskar joins nine year old female sisters, Zalika and Kamali.

He was born at Denver Zoo in 2020.

 

Male Enzi has moved from Indianapolis to Honolulu

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/new-male-lion-named-enzi-arrived-at-the-honolulu-zoo/

 

Does South Africa still export lions regularly? It looks like the last group noted here came in 2011, which is fairly recent.

 

They do; while they're not the US, Australia last received a pair of lions from there in 2019.

 

Zoo Boise was sent a two-year-old female named Ahsoka from the Santa Barbara Zoo. This must be Pauline, now called Ahsoka. Introductions to Revan have finished and she is on-exhibit.

I like the name, and it matches well with Revan's. If you're a big Star Wars fan you'll understand the connection...

Zoo Boise introduces new female lion Ahsoka to exhibit alongside Revan

 

The lion is Pauline, of course now named Revan.

 

Revan is the male. He was formerly named Luke.

 

My bad, messed up the post. Was meant to say *Ashoka.

 

You'd think that Pauline would've been renamed "Bastilla"

 

Some sad news: The Sacramento Zoo announced that seventeen year old Kamau was euthanized from age-related health problems this past Saturday.

SacramentoZoo on Instagram: "The Sacramento Zoo is mourning the loss of one of our most charismatic and iconic animals, an African lion named Kamau. At nearly 17-years-old, Kamau was considered elderly. His longevity here at the Zoo is a testament to the care he received from his dedicated animal care professionals and veterinary team including specialists from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Our staff did everything possible to make Kamau comfortable and gave him the best quality of life in his golden years. Over the last few weeks, Kamau had developed worsening gastrointestinal problems with decreased interest in food, and the difficult decision to proceed with humane euthanasia was made when medical treatment options failed to provide sufficient relief from his condition. Kamau came to Sacramento Zoo from the San Diego Zoo in 2008. For the 14 years that he called the Sac Zoo home, visitors (and many Land Park neighbors) enjoyed his impressive roar. He would draw crowds from every corner of the Zoo. In 2014, Kamau sired a litter of cubs and in 2019, his habitat doubled in size and a glass viewing wall allowed our guests to get “nose-to-nose” with both Kamau and his mate, Cleo. Cleo, our nearly 18-year-old lioness is doing well. Our carnivore care team will be monitoring Cleo closely to ensure her wellbeing. She enjoys her regular training sessions and one-on-one time with her care team. Kamau was adored by many over the years, and we appreciate the love and support of our Zoo family."

 

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=724871319407376

1:0 Catali has died at Jacksonville Zoo due to old age.

 

Buffalo - Tiberius and Lusaka welcomed 2.2 cubs, their third litter together, during the night between June 2nd and 3rd.

 

Calgary Zoo's 12 year old lion, Aslan, has died following an exam.

Calgary Zoo’s African lion dies during recovery from veterinary exam | Globalnews.ca