Lion

Six months with lion cub Bahati & the journey to get here

 

The lucky one

Guests have fallen in love with our now 6-month-old Bahati Moja, the first lion cub born at the Dallas Zoo in 43 years. Her birth on St. Patrick’s Day this year via a scheduled C-section left nothing to chance. The positive outcome was the result of a well-coordinated and meticulously planned group effort between our animal care, veterinary, and nutrition teams.

Planning for baby

The veterinary team knew that Bahati’s mother, Lina, has a narrow pelvic canal and small hips, which had resulted in two stillborn cubs during her previous pregnancy. Once keepers noticed Lina breeding with Kamau, the planning began to try to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. The team determined the safest option for mom and baby would be a scheduled C-section. Then the staff planned out 105-110 days, the length of lion gestation, so that full veterinary and carnivore care teams could be on hand for the day of delivery.

Bahati nuzzles up to mom Lina.

When the big day finally arrived, all the careful planning paid off. The veterinary team performed a by-the-book C-section and ran into no issues during the procedure. Bahati was strong and vocal immediately after birth. Mother and cub returned to the carnivore barn soon after delivery so Lina could wake up from anesthesia, recover from surgery, and meet her cub in familiar surroundings. Keepers bottle-fed Bahati a special formula the first few days until mom fully recovered, but Lina showed excellent maternal instincts and took over care just 30 hours after her operation.

Meeting benchmarks

Bahati has been consistently gaining two to three pounds per week, and now weighs 60 pounds. In addition to nursing, the little predator now gets her own diet of bones and ground meat. In the wild, these carnivorous cats are opportunistic feeders and prey on zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, antelope, and other sources of meat.

This smart cub has mastered shifting from her yard to the barn and is working on target training, lying down, and sitting during voluntary training session with keepers. Soon she will advance to presenting her paws for inspection and conducting blood draws on her tail. Guests can watch her progress during training demonstrations at Predator Rock in our Giants of the Savanna habitat.

During a weighing session, newborn Bahati sticks her head out of the scale box.

Social life

Since lions are the only true social species of big cats, females tend to work together to raise all the cubs in their pride. It’s no surprise, then,  that aunt Jasiri enjoys her wild and playful niece and often helps Lina by babysitting. Even dad, Kamau, is playing a part in rearing the cub. When Bahati practices her stalking on Kamau’s thick mane and tail, dad is loving but stern in his response.

Bahati is putting her climbing skills to good use, exploring the rocks and hills in her habitat and climbing over mom, dad, and aunt Jasiri. In Africa, lions will lounge underneath trees to escape the heat and insects, and you’ll often see the same with our pride here.

Purr-fectly adorable

You may hear Bahati mew and growl, but it will still take a few more months for her to develop a full roar. As she grows, she’ll lose the spots of a newborn and will develop a full tail tuft. Come to Predator Rock – or the Serengeti Grill windows – to see our new pride and joy for yourself!

Bahati was born via C-section.
Bahati was born via C-section.
« 1 of 9 »
Categories: Africa, Lion | Tags: , | 4 Comments

10 ways to have the best Saturday ever at the Zoo

It’s Saturday, the sun is shining, and you’ve watched everything in your Netflix queue. Whether you’re ready to spend the day with your crew or going on a date, the Zoo’s got you covered. We’ve listed 10 suggestions for having the best Saturday ever with us and over 2,000 animals. So change out of those PJs, and head outside to experience the Zoo like never before!

1. Saturday, Caturday

We have the cutest baby animals ever (okay fine, we may be a tad biased). Have you met our little lioness Bahati? Head over to the lion exhibit first thing in the morning, and you might see her exploring. Believe us, she’s more entertaining than any internet cat video.

2. Get wild on a Backstage Safari

Sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour filled with up close encounters to make any animal lover swoon. This 90-minute tour lets you feed an elephant and a penguin as well as interact with some of our dynamic animal ambassadors (yes – that tamandua does like avocado as much as you!). All proceeds from Backstage Safaris go directly to our wildlife conservation efforts, helping to protect species and restore habitats around the world. Win-win!

3. Photo Ark photo op

We have an entire tunnel and dozens of kiosks with selfie-sized photos from the National Geographic Photo Ark, captured by photographer Joel Sartore. We promise you’ll score some likes if you snap a selfie with one of these animals. Use hashtag #SaveTogether. (Photo credit: Caitie Thrower)

4. Giraffe feeding

Have you ever touched a giraffe? We know some people with a bunch of lettuce and kale that can make that happen. You may even get a lick from Tebogo. #Goals.

5. Amazing monorail views

Take a rest. We’re the largest zoological park in Texas, and that means lots of walking. Grab a seat on our newly renovated Adventure Safari monorail, and travel on a one-mile loop that takes you to five African habitats you can’t see by foot. In addition to bird’s-eye animal views, you’ll also get a few glimpses of the Dallas skyline.

6. Hippo hype

If you haven’t met our new hippos Adhama and Boipelo, you’re missing out. Check out a keeper chat at 11:15 a.m. or 2:30 p.m., and you might even see them in action during a training session. Trust us – you’ll wanna ‘Gram it when their mouths are hope wide or they wiggle their ears. Not to mention, the underwater viewing window will bring you face-to-snout with these barrel-rolling hams – have your camera ready!

7. Two words – chicken fingers

Our new Coop on the Fly food truck is serving up some serious down-home, fried goodness, and you don’t want to miss out on chicken fingers and tater tots.

8. Cheers and chill

If that isn’t enough, we’ve got cold beer on tap from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at locations near the flamingo pond in ZooNorth and by the monorail station in the Wilds of Africa, as well as the craft beer garden and brand new lounge on Cat Green. So sit back, relax, and have a sip of local flavor or a classic favorite.

9. Safari Nights

Safari Nights Powered by Breeze Energy means live music at sundown on shady Cat Green – you bring the lawn chair, we’ll bring the tunes. This Saturday at 7 p.m., we’ve got The O’s playing some catchy, acoustic pop tunes that anyone can dance to – don’t worry, the animals won’t judge! Concerts are every Saturday through July 15.

10. Cabana life

It’s Texas, and it’s hot! Avoid the back sweat, and spend a steamy summer night chilling out with your crew in one of our reservable cabanas, complete with chairs, fans, and water during Safari Nights!

And the very best part is that your adventure helps support conservation efforts around the world! That’s right, a portion of your admission goes to our conservation partners in order to save wildlife and protect the environment. So, have some fun and do some good this Saturday!

Categories: Conservation, Lion, Monorail Safari, Photography, Safari Nights, Simmons Hippo Outpost, Uncategorized | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

Relationship goals of the animal kingdom

We suggest you take some notes this Valentine’s Day from these animal couples who totally win at relationships.

Guapo & Bonita: Let’s talk about commitment – king vultures Guapo and Bonita have been together for more than 23 steamy years and have raised five chicks together. This seasoned couple, both with big personalities, are proudly dubbed “expert parents.” They know exactly what to do when it comes to their chicks and share rearing duties equally. (See their newest chick hatched last summer HERE!)

_MG_8435-King Vultures Bonita & Guapo

Kamau & Lina: If Kamau was a bachelor, everyone would chase this 426-pound hunk after learning how great he is with his love, Lina. The heart certainly wants what it can’t always have, and when Kamau misses Lina, he’ll call out for her repeatedly with a soft roar. Their days usually consist of Lina stealing food from her man, and Kamau selflessly allowing her to get away with it, which we find incredibly endearing. Then it’s up to Lina to casually pick the spot where they’ll sunbathe for the next few hours. Kamau trails close behind, waiting to plop down near her. And after a few cheek rubs against each other, catnaps commence.

Photo Feb 10, 3 45 20 PM

Photo by zoo guest Jonathan Case

Tonks & Monty: Addax Tonks is head over heels for her new guy, Monty. Some may consider her a “stage 5 clinger” as she hopelessly follows Monty around, but we think she’s just a downright flirt. Tonks loves engaging Monty in a playful spar, and he always obliges. Head-to-head with their 2-foot-long spiral horns, Monty gently pushes back, but never hard enough to hurt her.

Addax Tonks and Monty

Photo by keeper Laura Frazier

Pierre & Gigi: Calling it like it is – Gigi is queen bee in this collared brown lemur relationship. But Pierre, being the cool guy that he is, has no qualms about it. Together, he and his gal rule the lemur habitat. Well, the massive oak tree in the center of the exhibit, that is. (Photo evidence below.) This tree is their domain, their absolute favorite place to cuddle up in a “lemur ball.” And although Gigi can freely steal food from the other six male lemurs whenever she desires, she’ll never steal from her guy.

IMG_1156 Collared Lemurs CS

Jimi & Tullah: Giant anteater Tullah may be a little older than her dude Jimi, but she puts up with his immature antics like a classy broad. Together since last summer, Tullah runs the show, and Jimi’s just here for the free avocado, midday swims, and summer hose spray-downs with his leading lady. (This may be one reason why Jimi is so smitten with Tullah – the gal knows how to put on a show in the pool! WATCH!)

Jimi and Tullah on left

Janna & Karin: Here’s a story of companionship that’s worth sharing. Caracal sisters Janna and Karin have been by each other’s side every day for the past 15 years. Although caracals are naturally solitary creatures, Janna and Karin are extremely bonded and thrive together. For these sisters, mealtime equals playtime. They have a ball tossing their food high up in the air over and over again until it’s finally time to dig in. And almost every night, the two cozy up in a single nest box and doze off. (Note: They have two nest boxes.)

Caracal sisters by Megan Lumpkin

Photo by keeper Rita Huang

*See Tonks and Monty, and Janna and Karin in the arid and predator exhibits off the monorail when it reopens this spring.

(And read about our inspirational, longtime animal couples featured last Valentine’s Day!)

Categories: Birds, Lion | 2 Comments

How do you introduce lions? Very carefully

11-year-old lion Kamau is settling in well in his new Dallas Zoo home.

11-year-old lion Kamau is settling in well at his new Dallas Zoo home.

Some people have magical, undeniable chemistry at first glance, while others slowly grow into it, and some can’t stand the sight of one other instantaneously. The same goes for the animal kingdom.

And cats have even more stubborn sass than most. (Who can relate when it comes to your house cat? Fierce feline of the household? Ruler of all things human? Yep. You get it.)

Now take the audaciousness of your 12-pound house cat and multiply it by nine lives, three African lions, 12 paws, one mane, and three very different temperaments.

Kamau and Lina enjoy a day out in the habitat together.

Kamau and Lina enjoy a day out in the habitat together.

“Integrating lions isn’t easy,” said Lisa Van Slett, assistant carnivore supervisor. “It takes a lot of time and patience working with big personalities.”

This spring, we welcomed 11-year-old Kamau from Zoo Atlanta. He’s here on a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP).

A handsome man at 420 pounds with a massive mane, Kamau has been genetically matched with lioness Lina. And for her, the fireworks are shooting off at full speed. She’s a downright flirt!

Sisters Lina & Jasiri nap together at the exhibit window.

Sisters Lina & Jasiri nap together at the exhibit window.

The two have been going out into the lion habitat for a few weeks now. Kamau also has begun meeting his leading lady’s sister, Jasiri. But Jasiri hasn’t been as warm and welcoming, which is why keepers took her introduction with Kamau slowly.

That careful planning paid off. This week, Kamau, Lina and Jasiri went out into the habitat together as a pride. It was positively uneventful in lion introduction terms.

“We’re still working through the process as it’s all so new, but we’re excited with how well things have gone so far,” said Lora Baumhardt, carnivore supervisor. “We anticipate continued progress and always keep the animals’ welfare and interests in mind.”

We’re extremely proud to have a pride together again. And hey, if cubs come out of it, that’s just an added bonus!

Categories: Africa, Conservation, Lion, Zookeepers | Tags: | 1 Comment

Dallas Zoo’s bonded lion brothers move to Franklin Park Zoo

Six-year-old bonded lion brothers Dinari and Kamaia.

Six-year-old bonded lion brothers Dinari and Kamaia.

Our beloved lion brothers have a new home! Six-year-old Dinari and Kamaia recently moved to the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Mass. Although it was a very difficult farewell for our staff, it’s also an exciting new chapter for these close brothers.

While the Dallas Zoo has a lion breeding program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) African Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP), the boys showed little interest in breeding. Their new AZA-accredited zoo home has no plans to breed them – so the “joined at the hip” brothers will be able to remain together.

Their days ahead include basking in the New England sun on top of the massive rock in the center of their Kalahari Kingdom habitat. Dinari and Kamaia were born at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kan., on March 7, 2009. They moved to the Dallas Zoo shortly after their first birthday, and quickly became guest and staff favorites.

Through the African Lion SSP, the Dallas Zoo plans to bring in a new breeding male soon to join lionesses (and sisters) Lina and Jasiri in the Giants of the Savanna habitat. So stay tuned for more details!

Categories: Africa, Lion | Leave a comment

Brought to you by the Dallas Zoo