Zoo Atlanta is pouncing into the springtime with a newly renovated African lion complex now open to the public.
The $3 million project, which took six months to complete, features three separate viewing areas, including an expansive observation deck with seating for visitors to view the full habitat area.
“Zoo Atlanta is very excited to reintroduce our Members and guests to these majestic and iconic animals in a habitat we think few of our visitors will even recognize as the same area of the Zoo,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO, in a Tuesday press release. “Every year brings a new transformation at Zoo Atlanta, with spaces reimagined for animal wellbeing and for the experience of all those we welcome to the Zoo and our mission.”
The renovation added about 1,500 square feet of space to the habitat. African lions Hondo, Hatari, and Azizi —11-year-old brothers born at Zoo Atlanta — reside in the space. The zoo states that the lions had access to both indoor and outdoor spaces in a behind-the-scenes area of the complex during renovations.
The renovated habitat is a part of the Zoo’s African Savanna zone, which also includes habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs, meerkats, kori bustards, and blue cranes.
