08/28/2026
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.
“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.
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 helps zoos work together to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of lions in human care and makes thoughtful recommendations based on the needs of individual animals. Animal moves like Araali’s help support her well-being while contributing to the long-term conservation of the species across the AZA community.
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.
Learn more: https://denverzoo.org/zootales/a-new-chapter-for-african-lion-araali/
