Siblings Daniel, Chadwick & Regina now calling Al. Gulf Coast Zoo home
Siblings Daniel, Chadwick & Regina now calling Al. Gulf Coast Zoo home
Pittsburgh Zoo’s three African lion cubs have been successfully relocated to their new residence at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The cubs, named Daniel, Chadwick, and Regina, were born in July 2020 and, having reached maturity at two years old, have been relocated to enjoy additional space and prepare for future breeding opportunities in Gulf Shores.
The siblings still have family, parents Kit, and Abana, and Scarlett) in Pittsburgh.
“As sad as it can be to see an animal leave our Zoo, it is what’s best for the cubs and the species as a whole,” said Pittsburgh Zoo President Jeremy Goodman.
African lions are listed as a vulnerable species, with less than 25,000 remaining, largely due to habitat loss and poaching. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo works with multiple facilities and wildlife organizations around the world to ensure the survival of the species.
The local has partnered with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) to establish new genetic lines within the North American population of African lions.
“Hopefully, someday in the future, they can each have lion cubs of their own and continue to increase the lion population,” Goodman said.
As a member of this ZAA Animal Management Plan, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will be working with accredited zoos across the United States to monitor and control breeding of the African lion population to ensure the future of African lions in North America.
The Lion Exhibit is sponsored by the City of Orange Beach and a generous donation by Ted Scarritt owner of Perdido Beach Services.
“We are grateful for the partnership and the team at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. They have worked with our teams to ensure a smooth transition and the lions are settling in and happy in their new home,” said Joel Hamilton, the zoo’s executive director. “We are extremely excited about the future of these lions and our zoo becoming a leader in lion preservation.”
The zoo is open daily and located at 20499 Oak Road East in Gulf Shores. Find more information at alabamagulfcoastzoo.com. Pictured: Daniel, Chadwick, and Regina relaxing in their new Gulf Shores digs; (below) the siblings at their first birthday party in Pittsburgh.