SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Zoo and Sacramento Kings debuted a new male lion Thursday morning that comes to the capital city from the Dallas Zoo.
The lion, named Slamson II after the Kings mascot, is three years old and is the only male lion at the zoo after the death of Kamau in June 2023.
“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 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.
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