The Cincinnati Zoo is home to a captivating pride of African lions, including the majestic John and the graceful Imani, who are the proud parents of three adorable female lion cubs – Huruma, Kya, and Willa. These magnificent felines captivate visitors with their powerful presence and fascinating behaviors, offering a glimpse into the world of these iconic predators.

Lion Names and Background

The Cincinnati Zoo’s lion pride is a diverse and intriguing group, each with its own unique story and personality. Let’s dive into the details:

• Huruma (Uma): Named after a deceased colleague from the St. Louis Zoo who helped hand-raise Imani, the mother of the cubs. Huruma means “compassion” in Swahili.
• Kya: Named by public vote, the name “Kya” means “diamond in the sky.” The winner of the naming contest received two tickets to Disney’s The Lion King.
• Willa: Named by employees of Western & Southern, the donor that made the lion exhibit possible, in honor of the company’s former chairman and CEO, William J. Williams.
• John: The male lion and father of the cubs.
• Imani: The female lion and mother of the cubs, born at the St. Louis Zoo and introduced to John as part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Lion Species Survival Program (SSP).

Lion Facts and Conservation

The Cincinnati Zoo’s lions are not only captivating to observe, but they also play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Let’s explore some key facts about these majestic creatures:

• Social Structure: Lions live in social groups called prides, consisting of related females, their young, and a coalition of two to three males. Males protect the pride and their territory, which can range up to 100 square miles.
• Hunting: Lions stalk and surround their prey, getting as close as possible before launching an attack. They are successful in only one of every four hunts.
• Conservation Status: African lions are considered vulnerable due to climate change, hunting, and habitat loss. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing them as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• Cincinnati Zoo’s Conservation Efforts: The zoo provides funding to support Rebuilding the Pride, a community-based conservation program in Kenya’s South Rift Valley. They have also been elected to lead the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) SAFE African Lion program, which seeks to “Save Animals From Extinction”.

Zoo Activities and Events

The Cincinnati Zoo offers a variety of engaging activities and events for visitors to learn more about the lions and support conservation efforts:

• Home Safari: The zoo offers virtual tours and educational content, including videos featuring John and Imani, allowing visitors to connect with the lions from the comfort of their own homes.
• Urban Lion Safari: In honor of World Lion Day, the zoo partners with FC Cincinnati to support lion conservation. Fans can participate by snapping photos with lion images or statues in their communities and sharing them on social media with #UrbanLionSafari.

Visitor Information

Planning a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo to see the magnificent lions? Here’s what you need to know:

• Hours and Admission: The Cincinnati Zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission prices vary depending on the season and visitor type. Please check the zoo’s website for the most up-to-date information.
• Lion Exhibit: The lion exhibit is part of the zoo’s African Savannah area, where visitors can observe the lions in a naturalistic habitat.

The Cincinnati Zoo’s lion pride is a true gem, offering visitors a chance to witness the power and grace of these iconic predators up close. From the adorable cubs to the majestic adults, the Cincinnati Zoo lions are sure to captivate and inspire all who visit. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the world of the Cincinnati Zoo Lions!

References

Cincinnati Zoo. (2015). Cincinnati Zoo’s Three Lion Cubs Have Names!
Cincinnati Zoo. (2020). Home Safari – Lions John and Imani – Cincinnati Zoo – YouTube.
Cincinnati Zoo. (2024). John the Lion Letting Everyone Know He’s Here – Cincinnati Zoo.
Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). African Lion – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Cincinnati Zoo. (2022). Let’s Go on an #UrbanLionSafari – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.