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…