Three young African lions at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago will soon be moving to new homes. Pilipili, who is three years old, will transfer to Phoenix Zoo. Pesho and Sidai, both two years old, will move to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in South Carolina.
These moves are part of the African Lion Species Survival Plan, a program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that coordinates population management among member institutions.
Visitors can say goodbye to Pilipili, Sidai, and Pesho during the first week of their departure starting November 21. The zoo remains free and open every day of the year.
“As the first cubs born at Pepper Family Wildlife Center, and the first cubs born at Lincoln Park Zoo in two decades, Pilipili, Sidai, and Pesho will always hold a special place in our hearts and the history of the zoo,” said Curator Cassy Kutilek. “From Pilipili’s calm oversight as the oldest, to the defiant nature of Sidai and Pesho’s ever present serenity, we’ll miss these boys deeply, but we’re also excited to see them go off and live their adult lives at two other amazing zoos.”
The lions were born at Lincoln Park Zoo to parents Jabari and Zari. Pilipili was born on March 15, 2022 after the opening of a new facility at the end of 2021. Pesho and Sidai were born on January 9, 2023.
With these transfers, there will be space for future lion cubs at Pepper Family Wildlife Center. Adult lions Jabari, Zari, Cleo, and Hasira will remain at Lincoln Park Zoo for visitors to see. The three young males had been living together as a coalition separate from the adult pride; their departure is not expected to affect the adult lions.
Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868 and operates as a privately-managed nonprofit organization. It focuses on conservation efforts locally and globally while providing animal care and educational opportunities. The zoo is open every day without charge.