Luke
TIGERS: At the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum
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| Cats by John Seidensticker and Susan Lumpkin Zoo Store Online |
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| Lusaka |
The Zoo is home to four African lions. Lusaka, our adult female lion, is out by herself, the young females are out together, and Luke, the young, male is out by himself. They alternate among available yards, but at least one lion is typically on exhibit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Zoo's adult female African lion (Panthera leo) has been at the Great Cats exhibit since September 2003. Lusaka, named after an African city, came to us from the Wildlife Waystation, an animal sanctuary in the Angeles National Forest, near Los Angeles, California.
Before arriving at the sanctuary, Lusaka was rescued
from a private owner. Her story illustrates why private
possession of wild and exotic animals can often be problematic
or harmful for animals and owners. Find out more about
why
lions don't make good pets and the perils of buying
wild pets.
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| Nababiep |
In October 2006, three young lions arrived at the Zoo from a private reserve in South Africa. They went on exhibit in December:
- male Luke, born October 2005
- female Nababiep, born January 2004
- female Shera, born November 2004
Shera and Nababiep are sisters. Luke is not related.
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| Shera |
Genetic Diversity's Role in
Breeding Plans for the Pride
Although the African lion is listed as vulnerable
on the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN’s)
Red List of Threatened Animals, and the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums has organized a Species
Survival Plan for African lions, Lusaka
will not participate in the breeding program. She was rescued
from a private owner and has an unknown genetic history.
Rather than breed, she serves as an educational ambassador
for her species, illustrating the social nature and
behaviors of lions to Zoo visitors.
Partnerships in Conservation
Make Good Things Possible
As you can imagine, transportation of lions from California
to Washington, D.C., is not a simple or inexpensive
feat. Lusaka was safely moved across the country thanks
to FONZ's generous partner, Lyondell Chemical Company,
whose contribution paid for the construction of specially
made “lion-proof” crates, air transportation
of Lusaka and her keeper, as well as a variety of enrichment
items for the lions to entertain them and make their
lives at the Zoo more enjoyable. This beautiful cat
now has a great new home and Lyondell now enjoys Lion’s
Pride membership benefits in the FONZ
Corporate Membership Program.
