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.
 
wild boar said:
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.
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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.
 
Zoofan15 said:
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)
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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.
 
IndianRhino said:
Couple of updates (as reported on the respective zoo’s social media pages):

Lincoln Park Zoo’s lion cubs (Jabari x Zari) have been sexed as all males and are continuing to do well.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s young male Boma (Abuto x Lomela) will be moving to another AZA-accredited facility in California where he will be the only male in the pride. I am inclined to say it will be SDZSP but we shall wait and see.
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park has announced that Boma has been transferred there.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Instagram: "Meet the new mane man San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance recently welcomed 7-year-old male lion Bo to the Safari Park. This distinguished gentleman is ready to lead his own pride and will begin to socialize with lionesses Malika, Amira, and Zuri as he settles into his new role. Lions are the only big cats who live in social groups, so Bo’s move provides him with the opportunity to experience natural dynamics and structure that reflects big cat ecology in the wild. Bo will be visible as he rotates on and off habitat with the lionesses until all four lions are comfortable interacting together. #bigcatenergy #lion #lioncamp #sdzsafaripark"
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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.
 
IndianRhino said:
San Diego Zoo Safari Park has announced that Boma has been transferred there.
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Julio C Castro said:
Visited yesterday and here are a few notes:
  • Bo, formerly Boma, the African Lion was on exhibit during visit, rotating out with the females. Keepers are keeping an eye on him as he is timid at times. The females were out most of the day, he was on exhibit for about an hour.
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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".
 
Does South Africa still export lions regularly? It looks like the last group noted here came in 2011, which is fairly recent.
 
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."
 
Buffalo - Tiberius and Lusaka welcomed 2.2 cubs, their third litter together, during the night between June 2nd and 3rd.

The Buffalo Zoo on Instagram: "Say hello to Buffalo Zoo's new FAB FOUR! On June 2nd and 3rd, the Buffalo Zoo’s African Lion Pride grew when they welcomed the birth of four active lion cubs. All cubs were born to their mother, Lusaka and father, Tiberius. The Zoo’s animal care team began monitoring Lusaka closely in the days before her giving birth and were watching via remote cameras when she went into labor. Three cubs were born late evening on June 2nd and one cub was born in the early hours of the 3rd. Having multiple cubs over the course of several hours is normal for the species. All cubs are nursing well and are currently showing all signs of good health. Last week our veterinary team got their first look at the cubs, and they are healthy, growing, and currently weigh around seven pounds each. The cubs are yet to be named, but appear to be two female and two male cubs. For the time being, the cubs will remain off-exhibit and behind-the-scenes, becoming more mobile while bonding and nursing with mom. Lusaka and Tiberius were paired following a breeding recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Species Survival Plan (SSP) for African Lions, which is designed to help maintain a healthy, genetically diverse assurance population of this species. This is the pair's third litter. In 2016, Lusaka gave birth to 3 cubs, Asha, Amirah, and Roary who have since gone off to other zoos. Their second liter came in 2021 with 2 cubs, Zahra and Khari who can still be seen in the Buffalo Zoo’s lion habitat with the other pride members. Over the coming weeks, the cubs and mom will continue to bond behind the scenes until they are big and strong enough to be introduced to other pride members and go outside. Stay tuned to our social media channels and sign-up for e-mail alerts so you don’t miss updates on their public debut and names."
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