For immediate release
Contact:  Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210; 904-655-3632 (cell)
Mercede New, 904-757-4463, ext. 211

Three New Lions Now Roaring at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

May 4, 2009 – Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is pleased to announce the arrival of three new lions: two females and one male.  Catali, the male lion, was born at the Basel in Switzerland, in December 2005, and came to us from the St. Louis Zoo. The two lionesses, Tamu and Laini, came from the San Diego Wild Animal Park where they were litter mates born in November 2007. All three lions are now on exhibit in the Plains of East Africa. When they are older and mature at least one female will receive a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP).  The females can conceive when they are 24 to 28 months old.  Their gestation period is between 105 and 118 days, and they usually have a litter of three to four cubs. 

The Zoo’s current male, Mshoni, was born August 1, 1995.  He is fortunate to have the exhibit to himself after Zoo hours.  The SSP has him listed for placement with another facility should the right match be found.  If not, he will continue to reside at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

The lion (Pathera leo) is a member of the family Felidae and one of four big cats in the genus Panthera.  With some males weighing as much as 550 pounds, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger.  Both males and females can live up to 20 to 25 years in captivity.  Lions spend much of their time resting and are inactive for about 20 hours per day. 

PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side one-quarter mile off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  The Zoo is open until 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.
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