The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo announced the arrival of three African lions as part of the zoo family on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 10:00 am.

The lions were received through a partnership with the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The lions, two males and one female, named Daniel, Chadwick and Regina, were born at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and will play a critical role in the survival of their species due to their genetic importance.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was approached by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) to become an active partner in establishing new genetic lines within the North American population of African lions.

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.

“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, Executive Director, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. “We are extremely excited about the future of these lions and our zoo becoming a leader in lion preservation.”

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Lion Exhibit is proudly sponsored by Ted Scarritt, Owner/Operator of Perdido Beach Services and the City of Orange Beach.