Kwanzaa

Kwanza (born December 24, 2004 in Waco, Texas) is a male African lion that was added to the collection of the Birmingham Zoo on February 15, 2006. After three months in quarantine and some time in a separate exhibit area he has been moved to the lion exhibit, where he alternates indoor and outdoor time with the much older Sheba.

Kwanza was named for the African-inspired holiday which began in 2004 on the day after his birth. He joins Sheba, who became the sole lion in the zoo following the death of Maynard in June 2005. Plans call for Kwanza to be joined later by two or three females as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's African lion Species Survival Plan, in which the zoo is a partner.

In August 2007 he will be joined by Akili, a female African lion.

References

• Doyle, Niki. (May 19, 2006) "Birmingham Zoo's new resident sure to become the mane event." Birmingham News.
• Bryant, Walter (August 21, 2006) "Starting lion." Birmingham News.