Cheyenne Mountain and Pueblo Zoos share a local lion lineage

The staff at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is still mourning the loss of Angie, the 21-year-old African lioness that had to be put down, earlier this week.

We have new information about how her legacy and the future of African lions continues on in Southern Colorado.

Angie and her mate, Elson, were matched as part of a breeding program that was designed to keep genetic lines of African lions in human care pure. Their union resulted in 18 lion cubs, 13 of which were born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Elson passed away in 2011, but the legacy of Angie and Elson lives on in their 105 living decedents – cubs, grand cubs and great-grand cubs.

The new baby cub born at the Pueblo Zoo shares some lineage with Angie through his father, Taz Jahari, a 13-year old male.

“We were lucky enough to receive two girls (daughters of Angie) from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Yolana and Sayada, and they actually produced cubs with Taz as well, we had three cubs with them about 10 years ago,” Ashley Bowen, curator with the Pueblo Zoo, said.

Pueblo’s newest cub is still in isolation with his mother until his big debut in early April. He still needs vaccinations and time to bond with mom and dad. He also needs a name.

Click here to learn more about how you can join the Pueblo Zoo’s naming contest.