New Lion Trio Arrives at Belfast Zoo

Belfast Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of three young male Northern Lions, marking an exciting milestone in the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to international conservation and the long-term protection of threatened species.

The three brothers named Kumo, Djibo and Mao arrived at Belfast Zoo on 15 July, joining the Lion Habitat at the Cavehill site. They were safely transferred from Zoo de La Boissière du Doré near Nantes in Western France. Their arrival forms part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), which works to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of species in human care and supports wider conservation efforts.

These lions are especially welcome to Belfast Zoo following the death of the two remaining Barbary lionesses in March. Belfast Zoo is focused on expanding and increasing their conservation programme, with the Zoo currently participating in more than 60 international conservation breeding programmes for threatened species, globally.

Northern Lions currently exist in the wild only in small areas of Western Africa, Central Africa and India.  It is estimated there are less than 1000 individuals worldwide, making the species endangered.  In Western Africa, there is a population of less than 250, making it critically endangered in this area.  The Northern lion is extinct in North Africa, Southern Europe and West Asia.

Nigel Simpson, Zoo Development Manager at Belfast Zoo, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome these three magnificent Northern Lions to Belfast Zoo. Their arrival is an important milestone, not only for the Zoo and our visitors, but also for the international conservation work that takes place behind the scenes. Every animal movement through the EEP is carefully planned to support the long-term health and sustainability of the species and we are proud to play our part in that global collaborative effort.”

The Lions join a growing number of new arrivals that have recently strengthened Belfast Zoo’s conservation efforts, including a Chimpanzee, a François’ langur, a Golden Lion tamarin and a White-crested Turaco.

The Zoo has also celebrated several successful births in recent months, including Gentoo Penguin chicks, Maned Wolf pups, a Red Panda cub, a Cotton Top Tamarin and Pancake Tortoise hatchlings, demonstrating the continued success of its conservation and animal care programmes.

The arrival of the Lions also comes at a transformative time for Belfast Zoo, following the appointment of a new Zoo Development Manager and an Operations Manager. Together with the wider Zoo management team and Zoo staff, they lead a renewed focus on conservation, animal welfare, education and inspiring visitors to protect animals and nature.

Visitors can now see the three lions exploring their new home as they continue to settle into their surroundings under the careful supervision of the Zoo’s experienced animal care and veterinary teams.