This week was an exciting one for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A new pride of lions arrived and can now be seen by guests as they sit atop their hill and look down at the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
The three new lions are siblings named Mshango, Zahara, and Neem. Disney shared that they are bringing vibrant energy to the savannah. In a release, Disney said, “These young and regal lions are already making their roars heard and showing guests their playful and cub-like spirit on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.”
The three siblings are now having a blast exploring their new home. This comes just weeks before a new movie arrives in theaters that focuses on the importance of preserving the natural habitats that lions call home. The movie is Mufasa: The Lion King. It arrives in theaters on December 20, 2024.
Along with the arrival of these new lions and the theatrical release of Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney has also relaunched Protect the Pride. This campaign aims to support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) and LRF’s partners working across Africa to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050. More information about Protect the Pride can be found at Disney.com/MufasaProtectThePride.
Mshango, Zahara, and Neema represent an important part of the lion population’s future. These lions could eventually breed with members from another pride as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. This is designed to ensure responsible breeding and genetic diversity of animal populations, which are often threatened or endangered in the wild.
Currently, the three new lions are making their home around the kopjes rocks on Kilimanjaro Safaris and guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom can see them as they drive by. In the future, Disney will share more about these lions and their conservation efforts for the species.
What do you think about these new lions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Are you excited to see them in person? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
