KNOXVILLE – Zoo Knoxville welcomes the birth of a male African lion cub to first-time mother Zahra (ZARA) and father Maji (MAW-GEE). The cub was born on February 17th. Zahra was brought to Zoo Knoxville following a breeding recommendation specifically to help strengthen the genetic diversity of African lions in human care — an essential part of maintaining a healthy, sustainable population.
While the birth marked an important milestone for the species, the journey has also required careful decision-making and dedicated around-the-clock care from Zoo Knoxville’s animal care team.
Zahra was recommended to breed with Maji as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) — a cooperative, science-based program that carefully manages animal populations across accredited zoos to maintain genetic diversity and ensure long-term species health…