The John Ball Zoo is announcing two African lions will soon call West Michigan home.
Amara and Upepo are transferring to JBZ from Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee.
Upepo is a large lion weighing in at 425 pounds. Zoo officials say he is a bit shy and timid but once he feels comfortable he is more active and confident. Amara is outgoing from the start and is curious and attentive.
"These lions are an incredible addition, and we are so excited to have lions back at the zoo," said Tim Sampson, curator at the John Ball Zoo. "This will give everyone a chance to see these lions up close and provide our guests with a truly awe-inspiring experience. I know this community will welcome the new lions and I think they will fit in well here."
The pair were brought to the zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Species Survival Plan. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says African lions are vulnerable to extinction and are currently on the Red List of Threatened Species.
The zoo says the lions are still adjusting to their new environment and may or may not be visible to guests. Keepers anticipate the lions will spend more time outside as the weather continues to warm up.