Photos courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo.
The Fort Worth Zoo has some very big little news—two lion cubs were born this summer, and they’re already melting hearts! On June 29, 2025, proud parents Saba and Jabulani welcomed a healthy boy and girl cub to their growing lion family. These adorable siblings are full siblings to big brother Moja, born in 2023.
Meet Imara and Tamu
After spending their early weeks bonding with mom behind the scenes, the cubs are now beginning to explore and show off their personalities. The zookeepers quickly noticed some cute differences between the pair:
- The sister, named Imara (pronounced ee-MAH-rah), is bold, spirited, and loves to explore. Her name means “strength” in Swahili—perfect for a brave little lioness!
- The brother, named Tamu (pronounced TAH-moo), is gentle and sweet, often sticking close to mom. His name means “sweet” in Swahili, and it fits his snuggly, calm nature.
Together, their names represent what it takes to protect endangered animals—strength and sweet success.
Why These Cubs Matter
These births are more than just cute—they’re a big win for conservation. The Fort Worth Zoo works with other zoos through a cooperative breeding program that helps keep African lion populations healthy and genetically diverse.
Saba, Jabulani, and another adult lion named Abagebe came to the Fort Worth Zoo from South Africa back in 2012. That move introduced important new genetics to lion populations in North American zoos. With wild lion numbers declining, every birth is a step toward preserving the species for future generations.
Video courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo.
A Roaring New Home
The Zoo’s recent expansion—the Predators of Asia & Africa habitat—gives these lions a fantastic new home. The space is nearly five times larger than their old one and includes special areas for moms and cubs to spend time safely together. There’s even a state-of-the-art barn and extra behind-the-scenes spaces for when the cubs need some quiet time.
Playtime with Mom
Imara and Tamu are already starting to act like real lion cubs—pouncing, tumbling, and even playing with mom Saba’s tail! Saba is doing a great job as a mama, letting the cubs nurse, groom, and wrestle under her watchful eye.
Right now, the cubs are still adjusting to their new world. Keepers are letting Saba decide when and where they spend their time—sometimes they’ll be in the big outdoor habitat, and other times, Saba might bring them inside for a nap. If you visit the Zoo soon, you might spot some cub-sized logs and stepping stones added to the exhibit to help keep these little ones safe while they explore.
Follow Their Adventures
Want to keep up with the cubs as they grow? Be sure to follow the Fort Worth Zoo for the latest photos, updates, and videos of Imara and Tamu as they take their first steps (and pounces!) into the spotlight.
