With the birth of Imara and Tamu, the Fort Worth Zoo celebrates the future of its lion pride.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two lion cubs, a male-female sibling pair born June 29, to mother Saba and father Jabulani.
These little cubs, named Imara and Tamu, join their older brother Moja, born in 2023, forming a growing pride reminiscent of the close-knit family bonds famously portrayed in Disney’s The Lion King.
Since their birth, the cubs have been bonding behind the scenes with their mother under the careful watch of zookeepers. Zoo officials say early observations reveal contrasting personalities: Imara, whose name means “strength” in Swahili, is adventurous and spirited, while her brother Tamu, meaning “sweet,” is more reserved and gentle.
The Fort Worth Zoo participates in a North American cooperative breeding program to support genetically diverse and thriving African lion populations. Saba, Jabulani, and adult lion Abagebe were born at a South African wildlife facility before joining the zoo in 2012, bringing new bloodlines to North America.
African lions are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with populations continuing to decline, making the birth of Imara and Tamu both a conservation milestone and a hopeful addition to the species’ U.S. gene pool.
In 2023, the zoo expanded its lion habitat with the Predators of Asia & Africa area, nearly five times larger than its previous space. The new habitat provides ample room for mothers and cubs to bond safely and gradually integrate with the pride. Already, the cubs are showing playful behaviors such as tail-chasing and gentle wrestling, mimicking predator-prey interactions while under Saba’s watchful care, zoo officials said.
For now, the cubs’ schedules are guided entirely by Saba, who determines when they explore the main habitat, retreat to their den, or enjoy a catnap indoors. Zookeepers have added extra logs and stepping stones to “baby-proof” the habitat, ensuring safety as the cubs grow.
Admirers can follow the cubs’ adventures on the zoo’s social media accounts.