FORT WORTH, Texas – The Fort Worth Zoo is proud to announce the birth of not one, but two lion cubs! The male-female sibling pair were born on June 29, 2025, to mother Saba and father Jabulani. These are Saba’s second and third cubs, and they are full siblings to brother Moja (born Oct. 20, 2023). Since their birth, the cubs have been behind the scenes growing and bonding with Mom, while keepers have kept a close eye on their development and wellbeing.

After a few weeks observing the cubs, keepers noticed the female to be more adventurous, bold and perhaps a little feisty. The male cub tends to be more cautious and reserved and often found closer to Mom. The names were chosen to reflect the cubs’ individual behaviors: the female is Imara (ee-mah-rah), which is the Swahili word for “strength,” reflecting her spirited determination and steadfastness. The male is named Tamu (tah-moo), the Swahili word for “sweet,” which is symbolic for his gentle spirit. Together their names represent the journey of conservation – it demands strength and steadfast commitment, but the successes are oh so sweet.

The Zoo is part of a cooperative breeding program among North American zoos to help ensure a genetically diverse and thriving population of African lions. The Zoo’s adult lions, Jabulani, Saba and Abagebe, were born at a South African wildlife facility and came to the Fort Worth Zoo in 2012. When this pride made the Zoo their home, it introduced new blood lines of lions into North America, varying the gene pool. African lions are a vulnerable population, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. The IUCN also notes that the population is continually decreasing. The births of Imara and Tamu are both conservation successes and another advancement in diversifying the African lion bloodline in the U.S.

In 2023, the Fort Worth Zoo strengthened its commitment to African lions with the opening of the Predators of Asia & Africa habitat. Their new space is nearly five times larger than the previous one and features a state-of-the-art barn along with additional behind-the-scenes yards. These expanded areas support a growing pride, providing dedicated spaces for mothers and cubs to bond and for gradual introductions to the rest of the pride when the time is right.

The little lions are beginning to display some innate behaviors, playing with Saba’s tail as well as wrestling with one another to imitate predator-prey behaviors. Saba is exhibiting ideal maternal demeanors, including allowing frequent nursing opportunities, baths and playtime.

For now, zookeepers are following Saba’s lead, as she will dictate where and how the cubs spend their time as they will have access to the main habitat as well as their den. You may notice modifications to the yard including extra logs and stepping stones, these “baby proofing” measures are necessary to ensure the safety of little cubs in a big space. With access to their behind-the-scenes den, Mom might also choose to bring them indoors for a catnap! Be sure to follow along the Zoo’s social media accounts for the most up-to-date cub information.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been voted a top zoo in North America by USA Today, one of the “World’s Greatest” by BloombergTV, the Best Zoo in Texas by Yahoo Travel, the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide, the No. 1 family attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey and a Top 10 Zoo or Aquarium by FamilyFun magazine. Home to nearly 7,000 animals, the Zoo is beginning its final installment of a four-phase master plan. The first phase, African Savanna, opened in 2018; the second phase, Elephant Springs, opened in 2021; the third, Predators of Asia & Africa, opened in June 2023. The fourth and final phase, Forests & Jungles of the World, is next. The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year and the animals that live there.

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