Lion
Panthera leo
The African Lion can run up to 60km/hr and leap as far as 12 metres! Lions are some of the most revered animals in human history, thought of as Gods in many cultures. Territorial and usually found in prides, it is the lioness' job to hunt while the male defends against intruders.
In 1999 Taronga Zoo became the home to three beautiful Lion cubs. Jambo and his two sisters Njeri and Malaika were born at Mogo Zoo on the New South Wales Coast. At 3 years of age Njeri and Malaika were relocated to Western Plains Zoo to make room for a new female Lion kuchani who arrived from Auckland Zoo in 2002. After a very careful introduction of Jambo to his new mate, two cubs were born to this pair in 2003. The cubs Johari and his sister Asali are happily living in a small family pride.