Celebrating 130 Years—Together

Araali, our six-year-old African lion, will soon embark on a new adventure! 🦁

This fall, Araali is moving to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as part of the African Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP). Following her arrival, a male lion from another institution will also join her, and the pair will be housed together as a new social group.

Araali gave birth to four cubs in August 2025, and while her departure may feel premature for cubs who`ve just turned a year old, this change came as a result of animal-led decision-making and in response to behavioral changes between the cubs and their mother. Over the last few months, our Animal Care team noticed changes in the relationship between Araali and her cubs. While they closely monitored these changes and explored various ways to maintain this family group, it became clear through Araali’s behavior towards the cubs that she was more comfortable with separation. Through careful consideration and with support from the SSP, we were able to find a new home for Araali where she can continue to receive excellent care and have the opportunity to form a new social group.

As for our not-so-little cubs, they are fully weaned, eating independently and physically ready for more independence. They had the opportunity to learn important behaviors from their mom and will continue to learn from and observe other adult lions as they continue to grow at DZCA. While this separation happened a bit sooner than expected, it reflects our commitment to making the best animal care decisions possible based on what the animals are telling us. The cubs will remain at DZCA for now and we’re happy to provide them with a good home as they continue to grow and mature. As they get older, they may receive recommendations from the SSP for future moves.
Araali was born at DZCA in 2020 and has been a special part of a multi-generational pride ever since. It’s been our pleasure to care for her and watch her grow into the incredible lion she is today. We’ll certainly miss this feisty feline at Predator Ridge, but we’re so excited for her next adventure and the new companionship that awaits her.

She`s THREE and she`s ready to party. Happy birthday, Siska! 🎂🦧

Join us this Saturday, August 29 for Siska`s Corny 3rd Birthday in Primate Panorama! The celebration kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and you will not want to miss it. 🌽

Three years of silly, goofy, absolutely unhinged orangutan energy, and we wouldn`t have it any other way. We love you, Siska!

#Siska #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #PrimatePanorama

Happy #WorldAfricanPaintedDogDay from our pack: Nigel, David Livingstone, Theodore Roosevelt, and Peanut! 🐾

Our pack has had quite a year. Last July, Peanut joined us from Honolulu Zoo on an AZA Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation and has been fully integrated into the pack. We`re hopeful for puppies in the future! Meanwhile, Nigel continues to inspire everyone around him, thriving following his hind leg amputation thanks to the dedicated physical therapy and care of our Animal Care team.

DZCA is proud to support the AZA African Painted Dog SAFE Plan, a collaborative effort bringing together zoos and aquariums across the country to protect this remarkable species in the wild and in human care. With fewer than 7,000 African painted dogs remaining in the wild, today is an important reminder of why this Endangered species needs our attention.

Come meet our pack on your next visit!

#AfricanPaintedDog #AfricanWildDog #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether #EndangeredSpecies