The Roosevelt Park Zoo recently welcomed a trio of African lions that will soon become the “pride” on Minot. The new male and two females arrived on the same transport despite coming from two different facilities. The male, Asani, was born at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA., on January 11, 2020, so he is currently just over 3-years old. The girls, Ilola and Tadala, were born at the Dallas Zoo on August 17, 2020, and will turn three later this summer. All three were recently cleared from quarantine, a standard practice when bringing in any new animals, and their caretakers are now able to begin introducing them to their new home.

As they become more comfortable with their new home, their caretakers will be shifting them through the building, the dayroom indoor viewing, and the outside exhibit as temperatures allow. Once the three are comfortable with their new surroundings and shifting back and forth and out and in, staff will begin the introduction process of Asani to the girls. Once the three are comfortable with one another, they will remain together as a pride. Prior to transfer, Tadala received a birth control implant as the Species Survival Program recommendation was for the zoo to only breed Ilola.

In general, lions reach sexual maturity at 2 years old and will mate at all times of the year. The gestation period is 102-112 days. If all goes well the pairing will results in 2 to 5 cubs sometime later this year. As a breeding participant of the SSP, the Zoo expects to have the cubs for up to 2-years.

Kiota, the Zoo’s male lion, was not recommended to move most likely because of his age. He will be managed separately from the pride for his own safety. The younger animals would likely challenge him. He will split yard time with the pride and once everyone is introduced and getting along, guests will have the opportunity to see one or the other on exhibit and the other in the dayroom.

Even the introduction of Asani to the girls will take some time and poses similar risks. Anyone who has ever tried to introduce a new cat to an existing cat in their home have experienced the time it takes to get to the point where they become comfortable with the other. Imagine this with cats weighing nearly 250 pounds. The introduction process will be pre-planned and closely monitored until staff feels comfortable with the interactions between the girls and Asani. For a while, it will continue to be more work for the staff but if all goes well with introductions, it is hopeful that breeding will follow.

This is an exciting time for the Zoo as an opportunity to participate in the breeding program and the conservation of these amazing animals. None of this would have been possible without the new Severson-Ahart Lion Savanna that opened in 2019. The Zoo continues to improve its facilities for the animals today and preparing for those in the future.