Fort Worth Zoo
In late June, the Fort Worth Zoo quietly welcomed two new residents: a pair of lion cubs. Born on June 29 to Mother Saba and father Jabulani, the male-female sibling duo marks Saba’s second and third cubs, joining older brother Moja, born in October 2023. Since their arrival, the cubs have remained behind the scenes, bonding with Mom while keepers monitor their growth and wellbeing, according to a release. But as of Sept. 9, the cat — or in this case — cats, have been let out of the proverbial secret bag.
From early observations, the cubs’ personalities have already begun to shine. The female is adventurous, bold, and, at times, a little feisty. Her brother is calmer and more cautious, often found close to Saba. The names reflect these traits: the spirited female is Imara (Swahili for “strength”), while the gentle male is Tamu (Swahili for “sweet”).
These births are more than just family milestones. The Fort Worth Zoo participates in a cooperative breeding program among North American zoos to maintain a genetically diverse population of African lions. Saba, Jabulani, and Abagabae arrived at the Zoo from a South African wildlife facility in 2012, bringing new bloodlines to the U.S. African lions are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and their populations continue to decline worldwide. Imara and Tamu’s arrival is both a success for the Zoo’s breeding program and a step forward for conservation.
Already, the cubs are displaying natural behaviors — playfully tugging at Saba’s tail and wrestling with one another, practicing skills they’ll need as adults. Saba’s maternal care includes frequent nursing, play, and even baths. Zookeepers follow her lead, letting her decide when and where the cubs explore, whether in the main habitat or the baby-proofed den, which includes safety measures like low water levels and extra logs. For the time being, zookeepers are letting Saba call the shots, deciding when the cubs explore the main habitat or retreat to their den.
In 2023, the Zoo expanded its commitment to African lions with the opening of the Predators of Asia & Africa habitat, nearly five times the size of the previous space. The new habitat includes a modern barn and expanded behind-the-scenes yards, offering mothers and cubs safe areas to bond and gradually meet the rest of the pride.
