CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Louisville Zoo welcomes two female lions to the Zoo and one female Amur Tiger. Lionesses Amali and Sunny are both 7 years old and arrived at the Louisville Zoo in January from the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Amali and Sunny will be exhibited together on rotation separately from male lion Siyanda for the time being. The plan is that eventually the two will be introduced to Siyanda and the three will share the exhibit as a trio. As with any new animal, the Zoo staff will observe the lions’ behaviors closely for cues to determine when they are ready for each new step.

Sasha, a female 7-year-old Amur tiger, joined us in December from the Peoria Zoo in Peoria, Illinois. She will be on rotation with male Vikentii and female Marietta in Tiger Taiga.

As part of the continuing acclimations of all three cats, their exhibit times will vary.

These new animals are a part of their respective Species Survival Programs: a cooperative program of accredited zoos to promote the survival of vulnerable species into the future by ensuring a genetically sustainable population in accredited zoos and by providing links between zoo animal ambassadors and the conservation of their counterparts in the remnant wild.

ABOUT AFRICAN LIONS        

Once ranging throughout Africa, they are now found mainly in sub-Saharan regions with the largest surviving concentrations in southeastern Africa. Several northern subspecies are now extinct. African lions are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

ABOUT AMUR TIGERS

Amur tigers can be found in the river region of eastern Russia, northeastern China and into the Korean peninsula. They are the largest living feline. Males weigh 400 – 600 pounds on average and measure up to 14 feet long. Average females weigh between 250 – 300. Tiger stripes are like fingerprints and are unique to that tiger. Amur tigers are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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The Louisville Zoo, a nonprofit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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