These South African lions (Panther leo krugeri) are as adorable as they are rare.  This brother and sister can be seen in the Lagoon Loop exhibit near the boat dock.

Accredited zoos have the responsibility to provide safe havens for purebred animals that represent their relatives in the wild.  The genetics of these young cats can be directly traced to southern African populations.

In order to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population outside the wild for at least 100 years, these South African lions  participate in a Species Survival Plan® coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

In a few years, the Zoo will exchange one of these lions with another accredited zoo to breed this rare subspecies.