Kids & Family

Houston Zoo Welcomes New Lion Hasani To The Family

Hasani is toting his 400 pounds around his new habitat while getting to know the local lionesses

HOUSTON, TX — A king of the jungle has new digs in the Bayou City. The Houston Zoo on Tuesday welcomed Hasani, a 3-year-old 400-pound lion. Hasani is the zoo’s first male lion since the iconic Jonathan passed away in 2016.

Upon entering his new habitat, he explored the yard, climbed the rocks and snacked on special treats left by his keepers. In a statement the zoo said their three lionesses will alternate time in the yard with Hasani until they are all better acquainted.

The zoo’s lion pride are ambassadors for their wild counterparts in Africa and serve to educate guests about the work being done to help save this species, which scientists estimate is half the number of 20 years ago, or just enough lions left in Africa to fill a football stadium.

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Photo by Stehanie Adams/Houston Zoo

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