Exciting Animal Updates from Western Washington Zoos

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has welcomed two South African lion cubs, named Kamari and Zawadi, following a community naming poll that engaged 460 donors. Kamari, meaning "moon" in Swahili, was the most popular choice, while Zawadi, meaning "gift," was named by a grandparent of zoo enthusiasts. The cubs, born on January 14, are the first lions born at the zoo since 2014 and are currently being cared for in an off-view maternity den with their mother, Ilanga, and father, Tandie. Martin Ramirez, Curator of Mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo, praised Ilanga's parenting skills, stating she is doing a "terrific job" as a first-time mother. The cubs are expected to transition to their outdoor habitat as they grow stronger.

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The zoo emphasizes the significance of this birth for the Lion Species Survival Plan, noting that African lions are classified as vulnerable, with an estimated population of only 23,000 to 39,000 remaining in the wild.

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Meanwhile, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma has introduced Onion, an 11-year-old blind harbor seal, who has recently relocated from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Onion was rescued in September 2015 after being found stranded and underwent rehabilitation, which included the removal of both eyes due to a severe infection. Despite his blindness, he has adapted well to human care and is actively involved in his healthcare routine, which includes procedures like X-rays and blood draws.

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Onion's public debut is scheduled for March 27 to 29, allowing visitors to meet him and observe his interactions with two female harbor seals, Qilak and Riley. Jen DeGroot, the Rocky Shores Curator at Point Defiance Zoo, highlighted Onion's ability to build trust with his care teams, which has contributed to his successful adaptation.

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Woodland Park Zoo officials expressed gratitude for the community's support in naming the lion cubs, stating, "Woodland Park Zoo is truly grateful for the groundswell of 460 donors throughout the community who participated to name Kamari with contributions of every size." Regarding Onion, DeGroot noted, “It’s a testament to the trust he has built with his care teams in Ohio, and we look forward to building on that trust here.”

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While the updates from both zoos have been largely positive, some animal welfare advocates express concerns about the ethics of breeding programs and the conditions in which animals are kept in captivity. These critics argue that the focus should be on conservation efforts in natural habitats rather than breeding in zoos.

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• “It’s a big win for the Lion Species Survival Plan gene pool, and we’re looking forward to establishing a new pride here and celebrating this incredible legacy of lions at Woodland Park Zoo,” — Martin Ramirez, Curator of Mammalogy, Woodland Park Zoo.

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• “Despite his blindness, Onion has thrived under human care,” — Point Defiance Zoo officials.

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