SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Zoo will debut a new male lion after the June 2023 death of Kamau, a 17-year-old African lion.
The new 3-year-old lion, whose name has not been revealed yet, will make his first appearance Thursday morning at the zoo.
“The arrival of this lion not only adds to the Sacramento Zoo's rich history with these majestic animals, it underscores the evolving role of zoos in today's conservation landscape,” said Sacramento Zoo Chief Executive Officer Jason Jacobs. “Over the past 90 years, the Sacramento Zoo has played a crucial role in educating and exposing generations of visitors to the wonders of lions.”
The event also marks the launch of a strategic partnership between the Sacramento Kings and the Sacramento Zoo.
The addition of the lion is part of the zoo’s planning for a larger zoo in Elk Grove. The proposed new zoo is committed to caring for a larger pride of lions and plans call for an expansive habitat at the highest point of the new zoo.
The male lion and 18-year-old lioness Cleo will rotate out on display until the animals acclimate and a new schedule is developed.
Thursday’s program begins at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Sacramento Zoo’s lion habitat.
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