Mother’s Day is just around the corner and is usually a huge day at the zoo. This year it is shaping up to be a beautiful day to visit with temperatures predicted to be in the 70’s. It is a time to celebrate with our moms, to let them know how important they are in our lives and to remember those that hold that special place in our hearts who are no longer with us. In recognition of this special day, the zoo is recognizing moms on Sunday with free admission with a paying child. So, whether it’s a trip to the zoo, breakfast in bed, or even a phone call if you can’t be there, just let her know how special she is.

Across the zoo, staff will be celebrating our animal moms. Likely, the most recognized mom at the zoo is Ilola, our female African lion. Her cub, Jakiya, will turn 9 weeks old on Thursday. Even though she has only recently been available for viewing in the dayroom, she has delighted guests awaiting their turn at the window to see her interacting with the other lions. Like any kitten, she plays hard and sleeps hard. She loves playing with the adults in her pride and can often be caught stalking their tails or attacking them from behind. Ilola has a lot to be proud of in her daughter, but while Jakiya is still very young, she will come to recognize all that mom is teaching her today.

Across the river, there are still more moms to recognize. Most recently is Sage, our female Scottish Highland cow that recently gave birth to a male calf named Sylvester. Sage is and always has been a great mom with all her calves. Sage was born June 19, 2019, and gave birth for the first time in 2021. Sylvester is her third calf and looks as good as her two previous ones. Further along the path, at the Bison exhibit, Lena gave birth to her 9th calf. Lena was born July 12, 2011, at the Woodall Buffalo Ranch and came to the zoo in June of 2013. Her calf, named Dylan, is thriving in the bison habitat under the care of his mom.

Being a mom is noble, whether a human or animal, as it is a life of sacrifices. Moms sacrifice time, energy, and more to ensure the safety and health of their offspring. The expression of a “mama bear” in relation to mothers today is a description of the love moms have for their children and to what extent they will go to protect them and their future.

As this weekend nears, take some time to think about all your mom has done for you. They are not always perfect, but they are there, trying their best to make sure you have the skills and knowledge to go out into the world and succeed. If Jakiya had been born in the wild, the skills she is learning as a cub would enable her to be successful as she joined the pride as a huntress, provider, and eventually a mom herself carrying on what she has learned from Ilola. Thanks Mom.