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. He spent three months in quarantine and is expected to be placed on exhibit as early as May 20.

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 three females as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's African lion Species Survival Plan, in which the zoo is a partner.

References

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