HAJI THE LION

The North Carolina Zoo has happily announced that a male lion is among the Zoo’s newest residents. Haji, who recently turned three years old, came to the N.C. Zoo from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Haji and his twin brother, Asani, were born at Audubon in January of 2020, to parents Arnold and Kali. Not long after they were born, the two young cubs had names chosen for them through a voting process that was open to the public. After spending the first few years of his life there in New Orleans, Haji has now come to the N.C. Zoo to be a companion for the female lion, Mekita. We are hopeful that the two will soon become very fond of each other!

The N.C. Zoo has been on the lookout for a male to join Mekita since the much beloved older male lion, Reilly, passed away in the summer of 2022. Animals living in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) tend to live longer lives than their counterparts in the wild. A consistent diet, regular health checkups and protection from predators and poachers add years to the lives of zoo animals. However, old age brings on health challenges of its own, and large mammals suffer from many of the same illnesses and disorders as aging humans. This was true for Reilly, who experienced spinal problems and fought mightily against renal disease in his later years. Ultimately, Reilly’s weakened physical state and advanced age led the animal care and veterinary teams to the heart-wrenching decision to bring his days to a peaceful end. Reilly was 23 years old – roughly twice the life expectancy of lions in the wild. He was born at Lincoln Park Zoo, in Chicago, in February of 1999, and had been at the N.C. Zoo since 2001. He sired nine offspring: six females and three males. While his roar, which could be heard all across the park, will surely be missed, Reilly’s legacy and contributions to the continued existence of his species will never be forgotten.

Now, a new chapter begins. Haji, whose name refers to the traditional Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, has been getting acclimated to his new surroundings and will be gradually introduced to Mekita. The two are currently splitting time in their habitat space, as they take turns alternating between being in the public view and going back behind the scenes. This technique will allow them to grow accustomed to each other’s scent before they

by Kelly Nields

meet face to face, increasing the likelihood of a friendly first encounter.

A handsome and impressive fellow, Haji weighs in at about 388 pounds (some male lions can reach as much as 570 pounds). His keepers say that his favorite food so far is rabbit, and that he enjoys chewing on toys and other enrichment items. Haji is also quite fond of trying to creep up on his keepers – a very natural behavior for a big cat!

Haji is said to be a quick learner, which will be helpful as keepers work to condition him to provide specific responses to certain stimuli. Training techniques enhance the safety of the animals and their keepers, and are critical tools in the practice of providing veterinary care. By employing such methods, keepers and veterinarians can coax animals to present different parts of their body and allow basic procedures, like injections or the taking of blood samples, without having to sedate the animal with anesthetics.

Lions are unique among big cats, as most species tend to be solitary animals. Unlike their large feline relatives, lions are social creatures that live in “prides” typically consisting of a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. This social structure inspired the N.C. Zoo Society to name its planned giving program “Lion’s Pride,” which recognizes and honors individuals who have included the N.C. Zoo Society as part of their wills, or other estate planning arrangements. Zoo Society donors come together, much like a family, to protect the things that are important to them, like the North Carolina Zoo and its mission to conserve wildlife and habitat around the world. Those interested in learning more about planned giving that supports the N.C. Zoo and global conservation efforts can visit https://nczoo.planmylegacy. org.

Like many predators, lions spend a lot of time sleeping – as much as 20 hours a day! But, do not mistake the lion for a slow and lumbering beast. Oh no! These powerful cats can sprint at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, in short bursts, rapidly closing the distance between themselves and their prey. An apex predator in a league of its own, the lion is among the most visually stunning and powerful creatures of our world, and has fascinated mankind for all of our history.

Despite their fabled strength, surprising speed and historic lack of natural predators, lions in the wild have suffered due to poaching, unintentional snaring, habitat loss, and retaliation for livestock predation. Currently listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, there are fewer than 39,000 lions remaining in the wild. The North Carolina Zoo and Zoo Society actively support conservation efforts to protect this most iconic of species. One promising tool in this fight is the SMART-based monitoring system that was developed by N.C. Zoo scientists together with partner organizations, and funded in part by the N.C. Zoo Society. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool assists with anti-poaching efforts to help protect lions in areas critical for their survival. SMART is a free, open-source technology that assists conservationists in the field with gathering, analyzing and reporting data that helps to protect wildlife and critical habitats.

To experience the awe and wonder of being in the physical presence of majestic lions, visit the North Carolina Zoo, and see how Haji and Mekita’s relationship is progressing. To learn more about conservation efforts being employed to protect lions and other wildlife around the world, visit www.nczoo.org/wildlifeconservation-zoo.

Everyone at the Zoo is looking forward to hearing Haji bellow out a roar, to signal his status as the new leader of the pride! Come out to the N.C. Zoo, and whether you get to hear Haji announce himself or not, we guarantee you and your family will have a roaring good time!