Not one, but two African lion cubs were born at the Fort Worth Zoo over the summer.
The cubs were born to mother, Saba, and father, Jabuani, on June 29, but were just announced by the zoo this week.
One cub is female, and the other is male. The female is Imara (ee-mah-rah), the Swahili word for “strength,” reflecting her spirited determination and steadfastness. The male is Tamu (tah-moo), the Swahili word for “sweet,” symbolic of his gentle spirit.
Zookeepers said the cubs’ behavior helped them choose their names and they are a great duo representing strength and patience. Imara is more adventurous, bold, and feisty, while Tamu tends to be more cautious and reserved with his mom.
For the last few weeks, the cubs have been out of the public eye, growing and bonding with their mother. Zoo officials said this is an important part of their development and well-being. The cubs are Saba’s second and third cubs, and they are full siblings to brother Moja, who was born on Oct. 20, 2023.
Imara (front), Tamu (back) cuddle together.
The Fort Worth 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 bloodlines of lions into North America, varying the gene pool.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, African lions are a vulnerable population, and the IUCN 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 by opening 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 and 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. She will dictate where and how the cubs spend their time, and they will have access to the main habitat as well as their den.
Guests at the zoo may notice modifications to the yard, including extra logs and stepping stones. The zoo said 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!