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This fall, six-year-old African lion, Araali, will move to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 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 energetic 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.
“We’re always learning new things from the animals in our care. In this case, we really followed behavioral observations from Araali and her cubs, letting them dictate their preferences with their social groupings. As part of our animal wellbeing program, we strive to integrate as much choice and control for the animals as possible,” said Matthew Lenyo, Curator of Primates and Carnivores.
While mom and cubs are separating a little earlier than anticipated, this decision comes at a time when the cubs are ready for more independence. They are fully weaned, eating independently and physically independent. They have also had the opportunity to learn important behaviors from Araali and observe the other adult lions as they have grown.
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.
The SSP brings zoos together to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of lions in human care while making thoughtful recommendations based on the needs of individual animals. Animal moves like Araali’s help support the well-being of individual animals while contributing to the long-term conservation of the species across the AZA community.
Araali’s Next Chapter
For Araali’s care team, this move is especially meaningful. Araali was born at DZCA in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to our multigenerational lion pride. With the Zoo closed to the public during much of her early life, her care team had a unique opportunity to spend extra time with her and get to know her as she grew.
Assistant Curator of Carnivores Katelyn Stache shares, “I was lucky enough to watch Araali be born, grow, and become a fiercely protective mother while her cubs were small. Her playful spirit, intelligence in training sessions, and love of enrichment makes her unforgettable. While goodbyes are never easy, I’m excited for her next adventure and the new friendship waiting for her.”
What’s Next for the Cubs?
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.
The lions will also continue rotating habitat space in Predator Ridge, allowing our brother coalition, older females and cubs to experience different social and environmental opportunities.
We’ll miss Araali at Predator Ridge, but we’re excited to see where this next chapter takes her and proud that her move can help support both her well-being and the future of African lions in human care.
