Comments on: Bon Voyage, Lion Girls

By: Sondra

Sondra — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 02:40:49 +0000

I live in MI and am at JBZ constantly and have volunteered for a few years and hope to return and I can't wait to se bakari and abena.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:08:10 +0000

Lions used to live all over Europe and there are some in India. So, I am sure the two will adapt fine to Michigan winters. I've noticed that big cats in colder climate zoos tend to grow thicker hair. I've seen this in housecats(which all originate from middle eastern cats). They get very fuzzy in the winter and then, come June, its time to use the vacuum cleaner daily to get up all the cat hair.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:11:05 +0000

I am from Grand Rapids, MI as well and grew up going to John Ball. I agree definitely with what you said.

By: Ellen from Grand Rapids

Ellen from Grand Rapids — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:27:59 +0000

I'm a volunteer at the zoo in Michigan where Abina and Bakari now reside (they arrived last Sunday). Their soon-to-be-mate, Docha, is very handsome. They will make beautiful cubs. The new lion exhibit winter quarters will be complete at about the time the girls are ready to leave quarantine. The winter home is where they will meet the new " man" of their dreams.

To Deb, Michigan is not exactly the north pole, in fact they temperature this past Saturday was 79 degrees. During the cooler weather is when the big cats become more active. Granted, it can get pretty cold here, but the big cats love eating " snow cones."

Moderator's note: Thanks for keeping us posted, Ellen. Those snow cones sound fun!

By: Jack

Jack — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:23:03 +0000

Any news on new cubs. I know they haven't been born yet but are they showing sighns of giving birth soon.

By: Maureen in Michigan

Maureen in Michigan — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:12:22 +0000

I just read in the Grand Rapids paper that our zoo is getting the lion cubs next week. A wonderful new exhibit is being built for them. I'll keep you posted on any news I hear & will plan on a trip to John Ball zoo soon to see them. Maureen

Moderator's note: That sounds wonderful, Maureen. Thanks for looking out for our little gals!

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 19:20:09 +0000

Gram has made his journey to his new home in Kansas, along with 2 fossas and other animals. Have Bakari and Abena left for their new home in Michigan? If not, when are they scheduled to go? Hopefully they will have as unstressed a trip as Gram had. It is hard for everyone, especially keepers and staff who have seen them every day, to say Goodbye, but it must be very exciting for the zoo staff and visitors in Michigan to be awaiting their arrival. I know how excited the Great Cats keepers were at NZP were when three lions arrived from South Africa last December. Until then there was only one lonely lioness there from Texas. Now there are 4 lions, and they keep everyone hopping. It is really exciting to see the young lions interacting, and especially to watch the two year old male maturing and his mane growing bigger and thicker. He will be quite a handsome male, with his " harem" of three females. Like Izu his " pride" will consist of two young females who hopefully will bear many lion cubs. Who knows, the offspring of NZ lionesses and Bakari's and Abena's offspring may some day be paired together. In the world of endangered species reproduction and genetics, any thing may be possible if it helps them get stronger bloodlines.

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:10:11 +0000

What part of November are the cubs due?

By: Margaret

Margaret — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:15:06 +0000

Cherl, #21, I wish I could go since I love light displays at public places, and it sounds very magical. But, I live in Virginia, so it is not likely that I will get to see them. I want to make a trip to San Diego within the next few months, and December might be a good time to go. Since I am not into the beach, but more into the animals, I could see all three parks at that time, and the animals would likely be more active then. Besides my college age friends would be on Winter break. So…. who knows.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:15:15 +0000

Margaret # 20 - Oh my gosh - the Festival of Lights - it's not that far off! I'm so glad you mentioned it! I go every year - it's just the best way to get into the holiday spirit - no matter what your beliefs. The air is crisp at night, and the animals are so much more active. Yummy treats - and the amazing light displays. It's just magical and great way to spend an evening with family and friends. If you've never gone - please do - the lions will be waiting for you!