For a decade, two lions—Dakari and Kamari—inhabited the “kopji” or “pride rock” overlooking the savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris. In late 2024, to honor this later stage of their lives, they retired to a conservation haven in Florida accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Replacing them are three young sibling lions that are also a part of the AZA’s species survival plan—Mshango, Zahara, and Neema—who arrived at Animal Kingdom in mid-October 2024 and made their debut on the savanna in December after spending some time backstage getting acclimated. The male, Mshango, is still working on growing out his mane. Of the girls, Zahara is described as the bold, playful leader, while Neema tends to be more reserved, often following her sister’s lead.
Truth told, I’m not sure if this is Zahara or Neema. They were lounging near one another on pride rock when we saw them. They look like they’re all settling in well, though.
I hope you love this picture, too. It feels like just what I needed this week. A strong girl just occupying space in the world without apology.
Shot at 600mm from a moving Safari vehicle, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320.