John Ball Zoo Reveals ‘Lions Are Back!’ In Surprise Announcement

2024 proved to be a fantastic year for John Ball Zoo (JBZ), with the introduction of several new animals like snow leopards and lynxes, and construction beginning on a major expansion to the zoo. If that wasn't enough hype to lead into the 2025 season, JBZ announced they are kicking off the season with the return of a guest-favorite animal: lions. Yep, lions are back at JBZ.

⬇️LEARN THE NAMES OF 50 BIRDS AROUND MICHIGAN⬇️

Big Cats, Big Reveal

They always say the best things come in pairs, and JBZ knows that better than anyone. That's why they are excited to announce that two African Lions will be the latest additions to the zoo.

The pair, 7-year-old female Amara and 10-year-old male Upepo, recently arrived from Zoo Knoxville in Tennesse. The two are non-breeding pairs, which differs from JBZ's previous lions, Kiume and Abena. Lions are very social animals, so they traditionally stay in pairs.

JBZ says it may take some time for the pair to adjust to their surroundings, so they may not be out and about for the opening on March 21st.

Bittersweet

Sadly, the zoo ended its 2024 season by saying goodbye to two of the zoo's most popular animals, Kiume the Lion and Peggy the Chimpanzee, who had been at the zoo for over a decade and since 2001, respectively. Kiume left the zoo after the passing of his mate, and Peggy passed away at the age of 55.

The season starts on March 21st, and tickets for its Lantern Festival (April 9th-June 15th) go on sale March 8th.